GMG Classical Music Forum

The Music Room => Composer Discussion => Topic started by: vandermolen on November 29, 2008, 05:38:36 AM

Title: Klaus Egge (1906-1979)
Post by: vandermolen on November 29, 2008, 05:38:36 AM
I can't believe that we don't seem to have a Klaus Egge thread yet ( ;D). Anyway, a strong recommendation for some of this interesting Norwegian composer's work. In particular the fine 1st Symphony, dedicated to the Norwegian merchant seamen of World War Two. It is rather waltonian, with echoes of the sea. There is also a rather lovely string quartet on Naxos (in '20th Century Norwegian String Quartets') and a CD of piano works. Like Braga Santos (remember him?) he went all atonal later on and I find these works less appealing (ie Symphony 2 etc) but others may disagree.

Any other admirers?

http://www.mic.no/mic.nsf/doc/art2002101215073165503776

Title: Re: Klaus Egge (1906-1979)
Post by: vandermolen on November 29, 2008, 05:42:04 AM
I forgot to mention this very good recent Naxos disc. The Piano Concerto No 2 comes into Egge's more tonal work and is very enjoyable. An older recording is coupled with the First Symphony on Aurora:

Title: Re: Klaus Egge (1906-1979)
Post by: Harry on November 29, 2008, 05:43:38 AM
Heard the name, but do not know the composer in dept. I heard a few atonal works from him, and that put me off big time.
I did not know he wrote Waltonian works in the pre-atonal years.
Will certainly dip my feet carefully in this music.
Title: Re: Klaus Egge (1906-1979)
Post by: Lethevich on November 29, 2008, 05:49:08 AM
I can't believe that we didn't have any thread on a Norwegian composer - even Grieg! To anyone who likes his later music - are there any similarities to Fartein Valen?
Title: Re: Klaus Egge (1906-1979)
Post by: vandermolen on November 29, 2008, 05:53:01 AM
Quote from: Harry on November 29, 2008, 05:43:38 AM
Heard the name, but do not know the composer in dept. I heard a few atonal works from him, and that put me off big time.
I did not know he wrote Waltonian works in the pre-atonal years.
Will certainly dip my feet carefully in this music.

Harry,

Try one of the two Naxos discs, especially the String Quartet or Piano Concerto No 2 as a sampler. If you like those I'd very much recommend the completely tonal First Symphony, which I found years ago on an old Phillips LP wirh Karsten Andersen conducting the Bergen PO. A fine, if rather boxed-in recording (same one as on the Aurora CD).
Title: Re: Klaus Egge (1906-1979)
Post by: vandermolen on November 29, 2008, 05:55:09 AM
Quote from: Lethe on November 29, 2008, 05:49:08 AM
I can't believe that we didn't have any thread on a Norwegian composer - even Grieg! To anyone who likes his later music - are there any similarities to Fartein Valen?

Yes, I noticed that too about the lack of Norwegian composers (although there is a Scandinavian composer's thread). Unfortunately I am unfamiliar with Valen's works.

The String Quartet is about the only one of my classical CDs that my wife has enjoyed  ::)
Title: Re: Klaus Egge (1906-1979)
Post by: Lethevich on November 29, 2008, 06:02:03 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on November 29, 2008, 05:55:09 AM
Yes, I noticed that too about the lack of Norwegian composers (although there is a Scandinavian composer's thread). Unfortunately I am unfamiliar with Valen's works.

I'm also quite inexperienced with Valen, but found his lieder on a Simax disc quite refreshing/interesting. Thanks for starting this thread, I have heard Egge's name mentioned several times on GMG but know nothing about him.
Title: Re: Klaus Egge (1906-1979)
Post by: Dundonnell on November 29, 2008, 06:17:01 AM
There have been threads on composers like Sibelius, Carl Nielsen, Hilding Rosenberg, Allan Pettersson, Rued Langgaard but the Scandinavian Composers' Thread tends to sweep up most composers from the Nordic countries ;D There has been a good deal of discussion about particular composers-for example, the great Dane Vagn Holmboe-in that thread and that has, probably, tended to inhibit some of us from starting individual threads. Now that Jeffrey has started however....... ;D

Klaus Egge. I first acquired some Egge in the early 1970s when Norsk Komponistforening(The Society of Norwegian Composers) sponsored a short series of LPs on the Philips label(remember that?). The Egge Symphony No.4 was coupled with Finn Mortensen's Fantasy for Piano and Orchestra and Egil Hovland's Lamenti for Orchestra.

Then in the late 1980s Aurora transferred some of this music to cd. Since then there has been relatively little Norwegian music issued although recently the Simax label has issued a few discs with music by Norwegian composers. BIS has recorded most of Saeverud's orchestral output, some Geirr Tveitt, some Eivind Groven and is midway through a Fartein Valen cycle.

There has been no new Egge though, apart from the Naxos disc Jeffrey wrote about. There are the two old Aurora discs-now very much showing their age in terms of sound. The impressive Symphony No.1 coupled with the attractive 2nd Piano Concerto and the Symphonies Nos. 2('Sinfonia giocoso') and 4('Sinfonia sopra B.A.C.H.') coupled with the Cello Concerto. The Symphony No.3 'Louisville Symphony' might have seen the light of day along with so many other Louisville commissions but that hope now seems to be receding :(

I certainly find Egge-even in 'more modern mode'-a more sympathetic composer than Fartein Valen. I just can't relate to the dry, introverted, atonality of Valen's music :(

Egge's earlier music puts him into the same sort of Norwegian nationalist camp as Groven or Tveitt but he does evolve into a composer clearly influenced by composers like Bartok and Stravinsky. Of his generation-he was born in 1906 and died in 1979 and was 9 years younger than Harald Saeverud-he probably ranks as the most impressive Norwegian composer after Saeverud. We do need modern recordings of his principal compositions :)
Title: Re: Klaus Egge (1906-1979)
Post by: Dundonnell on November 29, 2008, 06:20:56 AM
I DO really write TOO much at times, don't I?

Apologies to those who find my posts prolix in the extreme ;D
Title: Re: Klaus Egge (1906-1979)
Post by: Harry on November 29, 2008, 06:26:02 AM
Quote from: Dundonnell on November 29, 2008, 06:20:56 AM
I DO really write TOO much at times, don't I?

Apologies to those who find my posts prolix in the extreme ;D

Nah, keep then coming, I rather read than write, and you do the job at hand so well.... ;D
Title: Re: Klaus Egge (1906-1979)
Post by: Dundonnell on November 29, 2008, 06:28:00 AM
Quote from: Harry on November 29, 2008, 06:26:02 AM
Nah, keep then coming, I rather read than write, and you do the job at hand so well.... ;D

You are very kind, Harry :) I am afraid that I rather tend to get carried away with enthusiasm when I write ;D
Title: Re: Klaus Egge (1906-1979)
Post by: vandermolen on November 29, 2008, 08:26:53 AM
Quote from: Dundonnell on November 29, 2008, 06:20:56 AM
I DO really write TOO much at times, don't I?

Apologies to those who find my posts prolix in the extreme ;D

No, you DON'T write too much! I always enjoy your posts. :)

I have enjoyed this CD too:
Title: Re: Klaus Egge (1906-1979)
Post by: just Jeff on December 03, 2010, 07:16:27 PM
Philips issued Cello Concerto:

(http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af80/hiptone/Unused%20Covers/eggecelloft.jpg)
(http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af80/hiptone/Unused%20Covers/eggecellobk.jpg)
Title: Re: Klaus Egge (1906-1979)
Post by: some guy on December 03, 2010, 09:45:18 PM
Amazing how a word with so little content,* atonal, should be the kiss of death for so many listeners. Indeed, all anyone on a music board has to say is "atonal" and immediately several others will decide not to listen to the music so designated.

Good job. Discourage people from listening to music.

Well, now at least I am interested in giving Egge a listen, especially to the later works. So your plan has failed with me, anyway. (You still get points for effort, though. And the effort is to get people to avoid certain things. And incredible things, too. How anyone could in their wildest imaginings call Valen's graceful and limpid and overtly charming symphony no. 4 "dry" or "introverted" really baffles me. It would be nice if we kept our personal shortcomings as listeners separate from our descriptions of the music. Neither "dry" nor "introverted" describe Valen's music. They describe Dundonnell's response to his music, nothing more.)

((For those of you who like scoring debating points, my "graceful" and "limpid" and "charming" are also not descriptions of Valen's music but of my response to it. At least my adjectives would encourage some to give Valen a try. And they may find that his music is worth trying. And my adjectives come from a sympathetic engagement with the music, not a facile rejection. So they're likelier to be closer to "the truth," doncha know? ;)))

*I would be interested in how Vandermolen or Harry define it, since most of the various (I counted six at one point) definitions of "atonal" do not cover the 12-tone technique that Egge used late in his career (and beginning with symphony no. 4, not 2, which is as tonal as any of his other works before the 4th).
Title: Re: Klaus Egge (1906-1979)
Post by: lescamil on December 03, 2010, 10:19:54 PM
I personally enjoy the work of his countryman Geirr Tveitt much more (such a sad story there), but I do enjoy Klaus Egge's works a bit. The aforementioned disk with his second piano concerto is great. There is also a disk (on Simax, I believe) that features his piano works, with Torleif Torgerson playing. It really is quite similar to Tveitt's music, and I imagine that all of those lost works by Tveitt would be quite similar to what Torgerson played on that disk.
Title: Re: Klaus Egge (1906-1979)
Post by: vandermolen on December 05, 2010, 11:48:08 AM
In response to some guy.

I am not a musician but I guess that when I refer to something as being 'atonal' I mean that there are no recognisable tunes or themes. I am trying to appreciate such music more and, for example the 'Facetter' Symphony of Karl-Birger Blomdahl, symphonies by Nordgren and Symphony 3 by Hoddinott are works that I have come to appreciate more and more and I think they come into this category - but maybe not.  Hoddinott's work is described as 'encroaching on tonality' but I am not entirely sure what this means. I do not understand the technicalities of music and just go by gut reaction to particular sounds.
Title: Re: Klaus Egge (1906-1979)
Post by: vandermolen on December 05, 2010, 11:50:53 AM
Quote from: just Jeff on December 03, 2010, 07:16:27 PM
Philips issued Cello Concerto:

(http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af80/hiptone/Unused%20Covers/eggecelloft.jpg)
(http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af80/hiptone/Unused%20Covers/eggecellobk.jpg)

A nostagia trip seeing this again! Thank you for posting. Philips also issued Karsten Andersen's fine Bergen performance of my favourite Egge work - the First Symphony.
Title: Re: Klaus Egge (1906-1979)
Post by: some guy on December 05, 2010, 01:05:05 PM
Thanks for satisfying my curiosity, vandermolen.

And I hope I'm not out of line to point out that I don't think anyone could have derived that meaning from your post alone. That is, someone who already knows you or who has seen several similar posts of yours might be able to. No one else.

I'd like to add that the word "recognisable" points somewhere else than to the music. It clearly implies a "recogniser" or at least a listener, who may or may not recognise this or that particular thing. Some listeners don't have any trouble hearing tunes and themes in any of the music you've identified as "atonal."

What remains unchanged in all this is the negative connotation of the word. Most people who use that word (by no means all) use it to identify something as bad. Something that they avoid, and perhaps, by extension, something that other people should avoid too if they know what's good for them. ;) But if "atonal" is anything like "recognisable" (and I obviously think it is), then it too says nothing about the music itself, only something about the auditor. And not all auditors are alike.

I applaud your efforts to enjoy more things, by the way. Only good can come of that kind of activity!!
Title: Re: Klaus Egge (1906-1979)
Post by: vandermolen on December 05, 2010, 01:29:52 PM
Quote from: some guy on December 05, 2010, 01:05:05 PM
Thanks for satisfying my curiosity, vandermolen.

And I hope I'm not out of line to point out that I don't think anyone could have derived that meaning from your post alone. That is, someone who already knows you or who has seen several similar posts of yours might be able to. No one else.

I'd like to add that the word "recognisable" points somewhere else than to the music. It clearly implies a "recogniser" or at least a listener, who may or may not recognise this or that particular thing. Some listeners don't have any trouble hearing tunes and themes in any of the music you've identified as "atonal."

What remains unchanged in all this is the negative connotation of the word. Most people who use that word (by no means all) use it to identify something as bad. Something that they avoid, and perhaps, by extension, something that other people should avoid too if they know what's good for them. ;) But if "atonal" is anything like "recognisable" (and I obviously think it is), then it too says nothing about the music itself, only something about the auditor. And not all auditors are alike.

I applaud your efforts to enjoy more things, by the way. Only good can come of that kind of activity!!

My pleasure - and just to confuse things (for me at least!) further, I've just been listening to a very fine Symphony No. 1 by Philip Sawyers (born 1951). In the booklet note Sawyers describes the opening as being 'on a 12-note row introduced at the outset...' and yet the whole thing sounds lyrical and melodic to me. I'll get there in the end. :)
Title: Re: Klaus Egge (1906-1979)
Post by: Bulldog on December 05, 2010, 02:14:53 PM
Quote from: some guy on December 03, 2010, 09:45:18 PM
Amazing how a word with so little content,* atonal, should be the kiss of death for so many listeners. Indeed, all anyone on a music board has to say is "atonal" and immediately several others will decide not to listen to the music so designated.

Good job. Discourage people from listening to music.

Well, now at least I am interested in giving Egge a listen, especially to the later works. So your plan has failed with me, anyway. (You still get points for effort, though. And the effort is to get people to avoid certain things. And incredible things, too. How anyone could in their wildest imaginings call Valen's graceful and limpid and overtly charming symphony no. 4 "dry" or "introverted" really baffles me. It would be nice if we kept our personal shortcomings as listeners separate from our descriptions of the music. Neither "dry" nor "introverted" describe Valen's music. They describe Dundonnell's response to his music, nothing more.)

((For those of you who like scoring debating points, my "graceful" and "limpid" and "charming" are also not descriptions of Valen's music but of my response to it. At least my adjectives would encourage some to give Valen a try. And they may find that his music is worth trying. And my adjectives come from a sympathetic engagement with the music, not a facile rejection. So they're likelier to be closer to "the truth," doncha know? ;)))

I find both Valen and Egge easy to enjoy, and it only takes one hearing to get to that point.  As some guy indicated, the "atonal" description tells us nothing.  For my money, anyone who treasures Prokofiev or Shostakovich will likely find Valen and Egge very rewarding.
Title: Re: Klaus Egge (1906-1979)
Post by: just Jeff on December 06, 2010, 01:26:51 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on December 05, 2010, 11:50:53 AM
A nostagia trip seeing this again! Thank you for posting. Philips also issued Karsten Andersen's fine Bergen performance of my favourite Egge work - the First Symphony.

And thank you for the kind words.  I came into a major 20th Century Classical collection, and not knowing that much about the modern era, I am posting in order to follow certain threads, a way to mark them as subscribed, and a way to contribute to the threads, stir up the conversation with nice graphics, as I love this stuff and the whole vinyl era. 

I have stuff for sale as well, a little less shameful self-promotion I'd like to think.
Title: Re: Klaus Egge (1906-1979)
Post by: springrite on December 08, 2010, 07:20:26 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on November 29, 2008, 05:55:09 AM
The String Quartet is about the only one of my classical CDs that my wife has enjoyed  ::)

Vanessa loves that String Quartet as well!

But right now, the string quartet is the only Egge I have in my collection. I do have the Violin Concerto, composed for Camilla Wicks and performed by her. I don't have a turntable now. But I am keeping the LP for sentimental reasons since I got it directly from the source, so to speak. A lovely work it is!
Title: Re: Klaus Egge (1906-1979)
Post by: just Jeff on December 10, 2010, 01:40:34 PM
Quote from: springrite on December 08, 2010, 07:20:26 AM
Vanessa loves that String Quartet as well!

But right now, the string quartet is the only Egge I have in my collection.

This is the one I have in the LP collection, soon to be on CD-R.
(http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af80/hiptone/Unused%20Covers/eggeSTRINGQNO1.jpg)
Title: Re: Klaus Egge (1906-1979)
Post by: Dundonnell on September 19, 2011, 07:35:04 AM
Klaus Egge's Symphony No.3 "Louisville" is available for download from several sites on the net.

Just enter into Google ;D
Title: Re: Klaus Egge (1906-1979)
Post by: vandermolen on September 19, 2011, 02:39:13 PM
Quote from: Dundonnell on September 19, 2011, 07:35:04 AM
Klaus Egge's Symphony No.3 "Louisville" is available for download from several sites on the net.

Just enter into Google ;D

Thanks Colin - I have grown to like his Symphony No 2 - the end of the slow movement is beautiful.  Please let me know should you come across a download of the Gruner-Hegge, Oslo PO, HMV recording of Symphony No. 1. Many thanks.
Jeffrey
Title: Re: Klaus Egge (1906-1979)
Post by: Dundonnell on September 23, 2011, 03:06:23 PM
Quote from: Dundonnell on September 19, 2011, 07:35:04 AM
Klaus Egge's Symphony No.3 "Louisville" is available for download from several sites on the net.

Just enter into Google ;D

I downloaded from Amazon without difficulty. The cost was £4.99, less than the cost of a Naxos cd ;D
Title: Re: Klaus Egge (1906-1979)
Post by: snyprrr on September 24, 2011, 08:20:30 AM
Quote from: just Jeff on December 10, 2010, 01:40:34 PM
This is the one I have in the LP collection, soon to be on CD-R.
(http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af80/hiptone/Unused%20Covers/eggeSTRINGQNO1.jpg)


Quote from: springrite on December 08, 2010, 07:20:26 AM
Vanessa loves that String Quartet as well!

But right now, the string quartet is the only Egge I have in my collection. I do have the Violin Concerto, composed for Camilla Wicks and performed by her. I don't have a turntable now. But I am keeping the LP for sentimental reasons since I got it directly from the source, so to speak. A lovely work it is!

I have that on that great Naxos disc of 'Norwegian 20-Century String Quartets'. It's the one with the nice, and not dreary, Largo funebre. Listening now. Jeff, this one's 5:38: how does that compare with your LP? It is a perfect pastoral elegy.

That Naxos disc is recommended to most all. It's about half-and-half sweet and a little harder, with the Valen the standout.
Title: Re: Klaus Egge (1906-1979)
Post by: vandermolen on February 18, 2012, 02:30:20 AM
In my opening posting here I'd like to say that I was quite wrong about Egge's Symphony No 2 (as mentioned above).  Although it does come from his more modernist period I've decided that it is very good and the horn theme at the end of the slow movement is very eloquent and touching. Does anyone else know this work? I still like Symphony No 1 (dedicated to the Norwegian merchant fleet sailors of World War Two) with its echoes of the sea (as in Walton's 1st Symphony, according to some), the Piano Concerto No 2 and Egge's String Quartet, but Egge's Symphony No 2 has been a fine recent discovery for me.

I look forward to hearing from the myriad Egge fans out there.  ;D
Title: Re: Klaus Egge (1906-1979)
Post by: Dundonnell on February 18, 2012, 04:19:11 AM
What do you make of the Fifth Symphony, Jeffrey?
Title: Re: Klaus Egge (1906-1979)
Post by: vandermolen on February 18, 2012, 11:04:42 AM
Quote from: Dundonnell on February 18, 2012, 04:19:11 AM
What do you make of the Fifth Symphony, Jeffrey?

Don't have a copy of it Colin - what's your take on it?
Title: Re: Klaus Egge (1906-1979)
Post by: Dundonnell on February 18, 2012, 12:31:49 PM
It can be downloaded over at UC ;D

It is Egge's most modern sounding work ;D I am afraid that I haven't taken to it yet.
Title: Re: Klaus Egge (1906-1979)
Post by: vandermolen on February 18, 2012, 01:44:51 PM
Quote from: Dundonnell on February 18, 2012, 12:31:49 PM
It can be downloaded over at UC ;D

It is Egge's most modern sounding work ;D I am afriad that I haven't taken to it yet.

Thanks Colin - maybe I'll stick with symphonies 1 and 2  ;D
Title: Re: Klaus Egge (1906-1979)
Post by: Elnimio on March 08, 2012, 08:48:58 PM
First symphony reminds me very much of earlier Mennin. This is a good thing.
Title: Re: Klaus Egge (1906-1979)
Post by: Elnimio on March 11, 2012, 10:06:53 AM
By the way, there's nothing atonal about the second symphony. It's much more dissonant and perhaps acerbic than the first, but you can still easily find tonal centers.
Title: Re: Klaus Egge (1906-1979)
Post by: vandermolen on November 02, 2013, 01:35:34 AM
Gruner-Hegge's terrific performance of Egge's Symphony No. 1 (Oslo PO - Norwegian HMV, never issued on CD) is now on You Tube.   :)
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-WhYSHsWmoA&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D-WhYSHsWmoA
Title: Re: Klaus Egge (1906-1979)
Post by: Sean on November 02, 2013, 01:48:40 AM
Egge recordings have eluded me up till now but I've added the Naxos First piano sonata and Second piano concerto to my listening schedule, and I can report back in a few days.

Actually a friend recommended me some Egge a few years back. I said thanks but I already know Egk's opera Der Revisor so I let it pass. Live and learn.
Title: Re: Klaus Egge (1906-1979)
Post by: vandermolen on November 02, 2013, 03:39:49 AM
Quote from: Sean on November 02, 2013, 01:48:40 AM
Egge recordings have eluded me up till now but I've added the Naxos First piano sonata and Second piano concerto to my listening schedule, and I can report back in a few days.

Actually a friend recommended me some Egge a few years back. I said thanks but I already know Egk's opera Der Revisor so I let it pass. Live and learn.

Years ago a friend of mine visiting a record shop the USSR was delighted to find so many recordings of music by Sir Arnold Bax but then realised that 'Bax' was the Russian for 'Bach'.  8)
Title: Re: Klaus Egge (1906-1979)
Post by: vandermolen on November 02, 2013, 03:41:22 AM
Quote from: Sean on November 02, 2013, 01:48:40 AM
Egge recordings have eluded me up till now but I've added the Naxos First piano sonata and Second piano concerto to my listening schedule, and I can report back in a few days.



Both fine works.

Title: Re: Klaus Egge (1906-1979)
Post by: snyprrr on November 02, 2013, 09:47:06 AM
Oh you Egge heads!
Title: Re: Klaus Egge (1906-1979)
Post by: vandermolen on November 03, 2013, 06:33:14 AM
Quote from: snyprrr on November 02, 2013, 09:47:06 AM
Oh you Egge heads!

A clever play on words for those of you quick enough to spot it.  8)

No more eggesamples of this kind of thing please as it lowers the tone.
Title: Re: Klaus Egge (1906-1979)
Post by: The new erato on November 03, 2013, 06:55:00 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on November 03, 2013, 06:33:14 AM
A clever play on words for those of you quick enough to spot it.  8)

No more eggesamples of this kind of thing please as it lowers the tone.
Yes, a perfect eggsample.
Title: Re: Klaus Egge (1906-1979)
Post by: vandermolen on November 03, 2013, 08:30:25 AM
Quote from: The new erato on November 03, 2013, 06:55:00 AM
Yes, a perfect eggsample.

:)
Title: Re: Klaus Egge (1906-1979)
Post by: vandermolen on November 03, 2013, 11:47:34 AM
Today I decided to have a proper listen to Egge's Symphony No. 4 (Sinfonia sopra B.A.C.H - E.G.G.E.) from his more modernist period. I have to say that I enjoyed it much more than before. It is a dark, gritty work in one movement of just under 23 minutes. Maybe I am getting more adventurous in my musical tastes with age  8). I shall certainly be listening to it again. There are some imaginative orchestral effects incorporating the piano and a sense of urgency throughout. Symphony No. 1 remains my favourite but I have enjoyed this score.
Title: Re: Klaus Egge (1906-1979)
Post by: kyjo on November 03, 2013, 12:20:31 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on November 03, 2013, 11:47:34 AM
Today I decided to have a proper listen to Egge's Symphony No. 4 (Sinfonia sopra B.A.C.H - E.G.G.E.) from his more modernist period. I have to say that I enjoyed it much more than before. It is a dark, gritty work in one movement of just under 23 minutes. Maybe I am getting more adventurous in my musical tastes with age  8). I shall certainly be listening to it again. There are some imaginative orchestral effects incorporating the piano and a sense of urgency throughout. Symphony No. 1 remains my favourite but I have enjoyed this score.

Cool, Jeffrey. 8) If you liked it then there's a darn good chance I will! :)
Title: Re: Klaus Egge (1906-1979)
Post by: vandermolen on May 16, 2018, 10:00:46 PM
Time to raise Egge's head again  :)
I've been enjoying a Simax CD of his chamber music. I find his style both engaging and distinctive. I also like the photo of young Egge,smiling for once, with the lion cubs.
Violin Sonata Op.3 is especially enjoyable from Egge's earlier period, as is the Trio for Violin, Piano and Cello, although I'm coming to appreciate the more modernist works as well:
[asin]B007ZDDKLQ[/asin]
Title: Re: Klaus Egge (1906-1979)
Post by: cilgwyn on May 17, 2018, 03:13:34 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on November 03, 2013, 11:47:34 AM
Today I decided to have a proper listen to Egge's Symphony No. 4 (Sinfonia sopra B.A.C.H - E.G.G.E.) from his more modernist period. I have to say that I enjoyed it much more than before. It is a dark, gritty work in one movement of just under 23 minutes. Maybe I am getting more adventurous in my musical tastes with age  8). I shall certainly be listening to it again. There are some imaginative orchestral effects incorporating the piano and a sense of urgency throughout. Symphony No. 1 remains my favourite but I have enjoyed this score.
You'll be listening to Harrison Birtwistle,next! :)
Title: Re: Klaus Egge (1906-1979)
Post by: vandermolen on May 17, 2018, 04:43:34 AM
Quote from: cilgwyn on May 17, 2018, 03:13:34 AM
You'll be listening to Harrison Birtwistle,next! :)

No, definitely not.  8)
Title: Re: Klaus Egge (1906-1979)
Post by: cilgwyn on May 17, 2018, 05:23:29 AM
Earthdances......."a dark gritty work in one movement..." (your quote). What more could you want?!! ;D

(https://i.imgur.com/IAyrGM9.jpg)

And don't forget to wear these to enhance your Birtwistlening experience!
Title: Re: Klaus Egge (1906-1979)
Post by: vandermolen on May 17, 2018, 06:47:43 AM
Quote from: cilgwyn on May 17, 2018, 05:23:29 AM
Earthdances......."a dark gritty work in one movement..." (your quote). What more could you want?!! ;D

(https://i.imgur.com/IAyrGM9.jpg)

And don't forget to wear these to enhance your Birtwistlening experience!

I will not be having a 'Birtwistlening experience' thank you very much.
8)
Title: Re: Klaus Egge (1906-1979)
Post by: cilgwyn on May 17, 2018, 08:29:19 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on November 03, 2013, 11:47:34 AM
Today I decided to have a proper listen to Egge's Symphony No. 4 (Sinfonia sopra B.A.C.H - E.G.G.E.) from his more modernist period. I have to say that I enjoyed it much more than before. It is a dark, gritty work in one movement of just under 23 minutes. Maybe I am getting more adventurous in my musical tastes with age  8). I shall certainly be listening to it again. There are some imaginative orchestral effects incorporating the piano and a sense of urgency throughout. Symphony No. 1 remains my favourite but I have enjoyed this score.
Seriously,now;that sounds quite intriguing. I often like symphonies that incorporate a piano. Like Martinu,for example. Fricker in his First symphony.
Title: Re: Klaus Egge (1906-1979)
Post by: vandermolen on May 17, 2018, 09:54:58 AM
Quote from: cilgwyn on May 17, 2018, 08:29:19 AM
Seriously,now;that sounds quite intriguing. I often like symphonies that incorporate a piano. Like Martinu,for example. Fricker in his First symphony.
Me too - also Shostakovich's 1st Symphony and Maximilian Steinberg's 2nd Symphony (which I suspect may have influenced Shostakovich, his pupil, in it's use of the orchestral piano).
Title: Re: Klaus Egge (1906-1979)
Post by: Symphonic Addict on November 24, 2023, 06:19:40 PM
Great was my surprise today when I found out Klaus Egge's Symphony No. 1 on Aurora label already appears on YouTube! I'll be listening to this recording soon as the another one on there has a regrettable sound quality.


There's hope that other labels upload their recordings that have been only available as a pshysical CDs or LPs.
Title: Re: Klaus Egge (1906-1979)
Post by: vandermolen on November 24, 2023, 10:19:35 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on November 24, 2023, 06:19:40 PMGreat was my surprise today when I found out Klaus Egge's Symphony No. 1 on Aurora label already appears on YouTube! I'll be listening to this recording soon as the another one on there has a regrettable sound quality.


There's hope that other labels upload their recordings that have been only available as a pshysical CDs or LPs.
Despite the sound Cesar I prefer the Gruner-Hegge recording. The Karsten Andersen (the only one on CD) has oddly boxed-in sound and the moving climax of the first movement actually overloads.
Here's the earlier recording:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WhYSHsWmoA&t=4s
Title: Re: Klaus Egge (1906-1979)
Post by: Symphonic Addict on November 25, 2023, 03:45:00 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on November 24, 2023, 10:19:35 PMDespite the sound Cesar I prefer the Gruner-Hegge recording. The Karsten Andersen (the only one on CD) has oddly boxed-in sound and the moving climax of the first movement actually overloads.
Here's the earlier recording:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WhYSHsWmoA&t=4s

It's a pity that the more committed performance of the two available doesn't have an appropriate sound quality. I haven't heard the Aurora recording yet, I'm giving it a listen the next Monday.
Title: Re: Klaus Egge (1906-1979)
Post by: kyjo on November 26, 2023, 06:22:30 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on November 24, 2023, 10:19:35 PMDespite the sound Cesar I prefer the Gruner-Hegge recording. The Karsten Andersen (the only one on CD) has oddly boxed-in sound and the moving climax of the first movement actually overloads.
Here's the earlier recording:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WhYSHsWmoA&t=4s

I recall finding the sound quality in the Gruner-Hegge recording borderline unbearable for my tastes. :( I'm gonna try the Andersen recording to see if it makes the symphony convincing for me!
Title: Re: Klaus Egge (1906-1979)
Post by: vandermolen on November 26, 2023, 07:54:10 AM
Quote from: kyjo on November 26, 2023, 06:22:30 AMI recall finding the sound quality in the Gruner-Hegge recording borderline unbearable for my tastes. :( I'm gonna try the Andersen recording to see if it makes the symphony convincing for me!
Oddly enough I prefer it, especially as Karsten Andersen's lower-voltage performance overloads and distorts at the climax of the first movement.
Title: Re: Klaus Egge (1906-1979)
Post by: Symphonic Addict on November 27, 2023, 03:40:33 PM
Today I finally listened to Egge's Symphony No. 1 (Aurora label) and I didn't perceive anything wrong with the recording. According to my standards, it was appropriate. As to the music, it does have a nordic feel to it, reminding me of Holmboe (without the rhythmic vitality) and Nystroem to some extent. However, I also have to say that the work didn't do much for me, it's a tad long for its material and it meandered a bit.

I also took advantage of listening to his Symphony No. 2 'Sinfonia giocosa' and it gave me a better impression because of its succinct ideas, sort of neoclassical style and piquant character.

(https://i.scdn.co/image/ab67616d0000b273762a64352ea01e49cbbe84d4)
Title: Re: Klaus Egge (1906-1979)
Post by: vandermolen on November 28, 2023, 01:23:21 AM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on November 27, 2023, 03:40:33 PMToday I finally listened to Egge's Symphony No. 1 (Aurora label) and I didn't perceive anything wrong with the recording. According to my standards, it was appropriate. As to the music, it does have a nordic feel to it, reminding me of Holmboe (without the rhythmic vitality) and Nystroem to some extent. However, I also have to say that the work didn't do much for me, it's a tad long for its material and it meandered a bit.

I also took advantage of listening to his Symphony No. 2 'Sinfonia giocosa' and it gave me a better impression because of its succinct ideas, sort of neoclassical style and piquant character.

(https://i.scdn.co/image/ab67616d0000b273762a64352ea01e49cbbe84d4)
Glad you enjoyed it Cesar although it evidently made a greater impression on me. The slow movement of Symphony No.2 is rather moving I recall.
Title: Re: Klaus Egge (1906-1979)
Post by: Symphonic Addict on November 28, 2023, 03:49:22 PM
Earlier today I was listening to the remaining symphonies. Once again I was considerably hooked by them:

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41sQkK43F+L._UXNaN_FMjpg_QL85_.jpg)(https://i.scdn.co/image/ab67616d0000b273762a64352ea01e49cbbe84d4)

Nos. 3 'Louisville Symphony' and 4 'Sinfonia sopra BACH-EGGE' are serious yet engrossing pieces, even more than the first two, but not for that they sounded too forbidding or challenging, or at least I didn't feel them that way. No. 3 incorporates some American touches and No. 4 contrapuntal and serial elements. It seems the Symphony No. 5 'Sinfonia dolce quasi passacaglia' remains unrecorded yet.
Title: Re: Klaus Egge (1906-1979)
Post by: springrite on November 28, 2023, 11:15:40 PM
I'd love th find a recording of the Violin Concerto (#1 or 2, I forgot... I think it was #2), since it was composed for and premiered (and recorded by) Camilla Wicks.
Title: Re: Klaus Egge (1906-1979)
Post by: Symphonic Addict on November 29, 2023, 11:23:16 AM
Quote from: springrite on November 28, 2023, 11:15:40 PMI'd love th find a recording of the Violin Concerto (#1 or 2, I forgot... I think it was #2), since it was composed for and premiered (and recorded by) Camilla Wicks.

It's on YouTube:

Title: Re: Klaus Egge (1906-1979)
Post by: springrite on November 29, 2023, 03:53:12 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on November 29, 2023, 11:23:16 AMIt's on YouTube:


Unfortunately I now live behind the Iron Firewall in China.