Gurn's Classical Corner

[DavidW]

Awesome Philo!  I can't remember what other Haydn works you've heard but if you haven't yet also try the Creation, the Seasons and the Nelson mass.

[Gurn Blanston]

Finally, finished my Haydn/Mozart listening sessions.

I'm sold on Haydn, but not yet on Mozart (I will be hearing Harnoncourt and Mack-a-rack's renditions soon though.)

After hearing Haydn's last 12 symphonies, I was left with only one question: Beethoven who?

Very pleased to hear that, Philo. It seems from what I have been hearing for the last couple of years, people who actually sit and intentionally listen to Haydn without preconceptions, invariably come away impressed by him. It only took 200 years, but maybe he is finally coming into his own.



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Now playing:
L'Archibudelli - D 581 String Trio #2 in Bb 3rd mvmt - Menuetto: Allegretto - Trio

[Leo K.]

Finally, finished my Haydn/Mozart listening sessions.

I'm sold on Haydn, but not yet on Mozart (I will be hearing Harnoncourt and Mack-a-rack's renditions soon though.)

After hearing Haydn's last 12 symphonies, I was left with only one question: Beethoven who?

Very awesome to hear. As much as I love Mozart's symphonic works, I slightly turn to Haydn's a bit more 

[Antoine Marchand]

Very pleased to hear that, Philo. It seems from what I have been hearing for the last couple of years, people who actually sit and intentionally listen to Haydn without preconceptions, invariably come away impressed by him. It only took 200 years, but maybe he is finally coming into his own.

I totally agree. To listen to music objectively, as we do, is the best way to do it. 

[Gurn Blanston]

I totally agree. To listen to music objectively, as we do, is the best way to do it. 

Hard thing to do, apparently. Throw all that "Papa Haydn" shit out the window though and just listen to "some symphonies from the 1790's" and you can hardly help but be impressed.



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Now playing:
L'Archibudelli - Schubert Quintet in A for Piano & Strings D 667 1st mvmt - Allegro vivace

[Leo K.]

What an enjoyable set of symphonies from one Carles Baguer (1768-1808), whose works are mid-period haydn-like, but with a distinctive style, simple in expression, with very nice wind writing to boot. The melodies are attractive, simple, but subtle too. For me the highlights are the C Minor Symphony, and the slow movement of the Eb Major Symphony, a very strikingly beautiful Adagio.

This recording has fine sound, and the applause after each symphony shows this is a live recording, with very good execution. A fine recommend for those on the outskirts of high classical music 

Here is a review from Musicweb for those interested:

There has been something of an industry in recent years in recordings of symphonies by the contemporaries of Mozart and Haydn, many of them previously little more than names. Whilst few have suggested that posterity has got its overall judgment wrong they have brought to light much entertaining and enjoyable music which is worth hearing in itself as well as providing a fascinating context for the works of their better known peers. Chandos have already issued a single disc of Baguer's Symphonies in their 'Contemporaries of Mozart' series. I have not heard it but it only duplicates Symphony No. 16, one of the less striking works on this disc which can therefore be welcomed as providing a useful addition to the catalogue.

Carles Baguer was born in Barcelona in 1768 and became well known in that city for his skills as an organist; indeed he followed his uncle as the cathedral organist when he was only 21 and had already been filling the post informally for nearly three years. About one hundred and fifty of his works survive, about half for organ and the rest including chamber music and an opera as well as twenty Symphonies. The works of Haydn were often played in Catalonia where there was an earlier tradition of writing Italian Overtures or Symphonies. It is the Symphonies of Haydn, especially those from his middle period, which are the most obvious comparison in terms of style with the present works although they are by no means lacking in individuality. In many ways No. 2, the first on the disc, is the most striking. The minor key and terse motifs are reminiscent of Haydn's sturm und drang works, but it has a character all of its own, less fraught than Haydn but well and imaginatively constructed. Symphonies 15 and 16 share these characteristics but are perhaps less memorable and more conventional in their manner, although like all the Symphonies on this disc they are admirably brief and to the point.

The Concerto for two bassoons is a curiosity on account of its scoring and its construction in only two movements - a conventional first movement and a Polacca finale. The two soloists here have both have a delightfully dry tone as well as all the necessary skills for the at times florid writing. If the tone and manner means that much of the result sounds like two elderly gentlemen putting the world to rights in a public bar, the Concerto nonetheless retains its individuality whatever its limitations in terms of musical invention. The Symphony attributed to Haydn - like so many other works of the period - is somewhat conventional in manner and at times even dull, albeit not overlong. Its composer remains uncertain although Baguer is a possibility.

Acadèmia 1750, as the period instrument orchestra is now known, was formed for the Music Festival of Torroella de Montgri. They play stylishly and enthusiastically and are well recorded. The very helpful booklet in Spanish and English with the disc concludes by remarking that Baguer's works "enjoyed the favour of this contemporaries and today they can be heard everywhere". That may be true in Spain I fear that it is scarcely the case elsewhere at present, but perhaps this well played and presented disc will help to rectify this. I certainly hope so as it has left me curious to hear more of his works. Perhaps one of the specialist organ companies might oblige with a selection of his organ music. In the meantime this disc has given me great pleasure.

John Sheppard 

[Gurn Blanston]

Ah, a new Baguer disk! About time. I can't even remember how long ago I got this one;

[asin]B000000AZ4[/asin]

In fact, he is so Haydnesque that the final movement of one of his symphonies on this disk (the G major, IIRC) is lifted note for note from one of Haydn's  (#68, IIRC). No matter though, very enjoyable entertainment, I still listen to it from time to time an would welcome some fresh performances of his works. Thanks!



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Now playing:
L'Archibudelli - Schubert Quintet in A for Piano & Strings D 667 2nd mvmt - Andante

[Leo K.]

Ah, a new Baguer disk! About time. I can't even remember how long ago I got this one;

[asin]B000000AZ4[/asin]

In fact, he is so Haydnesque that the final movement of one of his symphonies on this disk (the G major, IIRC) is lifted note for note from one of Haydn's  (#68, IIRC). No matter though, very enjoyable entertainment, I still listen to it from time to time an would welcome some fresh performances of his works. Thanks!



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Now playing:
L'Archibudelli - Schubert Quintet in A for Piano & Strings D 667 2nd mvmt - Andante

Ah! It's great to know about the disk you have! Thanks for that. Also, how funny Bauger lifted from Haydn note for note in the G Major Symphony you mention    I agree, this music is very engaging and enjoyable, and just plain fun to listen to!

[Leo K.]

I am encountering this set of CPE Bach's set of keyboard concerti for the first time, and really love it!

[Gurn Blanston]

I am encountering this set of CPE Bach's set of keyboard concerti for the first time, and really love it!

Oh yes, I completely agree. A highly commendable set. Van Asperen is a reliably high quality player in my experience, and this is some fine music, among CPE Bach's best concerti.   I even keep it in my signature!



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Now playing:
L'Archibudelli - Schubert Quintet in A for Piano & Strings D 667 5th mvmt - Finale: Allegro giusto

[Leo K.]

Oh yes, I completely agree. A highly commendable set. Van Asperen is a reliably high quality player in my experience, and this is some fine music, among CPE Bach's best concerti.   I even keep it in my signature!



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Now playing:
L'Archibudelli - Schubert Quintet in A for Piano & Strings D 667 5th mvmt - Finale: Allegro giusto

I'm only recently getting into CPE Bach and Bach's other sons. It's a great journey to discover Bach's sons, and the different personalities of each in their music. 


I'm also listening to Georg Lickl today, his 3 string quartets as played by the authentic quartet, and I'll repost from Dave (on the listening thread from over a year ago):

Lickl, Georg (1769-1843) - String Quartets w/ the Authentic Quartet - Lickl was Austrain and spent about 20 years of his early time in Vienna, studied w/ Albrectsberger & Haydn - these works were composed in the 1790s and are well written; the sound is also recorded well, but this Quartet just does not seem to have the 'spit, polish, and vim'!  I have a handful of their recordings now and am always left wanting other period instrument groups taking a round, such as the Festetics (who did a great job on a CD that I showed yesterday, i.e. Druschetsky SQs!) - now, this group has received some 'mixed' reviews both in this forum and elsewhere - Fanfare Review HERE & Don's Thoughts HERE - bottom line for me; good string writing, well produced, somewhat indifferent and occasionally 'erratic' performances?

 

I'm becoming a big fan of the Authentic Quartet, I love their unrefined sound, their honest performances. There is plenty of action, nuanced playing, and organic tone to go around. I also like how the Lickl disk is recorded.

[Gurn Blanston]

I'm only recently getting into CPE Bach and Bach's other sons. It's a great journey to discover Bach's sons, and the different personalities of each in their music. 


I'm also listening to Georg Lickl today, his 3 string quartets as played by the authentic quartet, and I'll repost from Dave (on the listening thread from over a year ago):

I'm becoming a big fan of the Authentic Quartet, I love their unrefined sound, their honest performances. There is plenty of action, nuanced playing, and organic tone to go around. I also like how the Lickl disk is recorded.

Yeah, I really like that Lickl disk too. And their Wölfl one, for that matter.  As it happens, I, too, am a big fan of "unrefined sound, (and) honest performances". It makes the music authentically alive and not like Rococo china painting.



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Now playing:
L'Archibudelli - Schubert Sonata in a for Piano & Arpeggione D 821 3rd mvmt - Allegretto

[SonicMan46]

Baguer - don't have any discs of this composer - there were SO MANY back then!     Will add to my 'wish list' - 

Schubert, Franz - Piano Trios et al w/ the Atlantis Trio (Schroder on violin, Crawford on fortepiano, & Sutherland on cello); these are older recordings (1994 & 95) released on the Musica Omnia label - I've been collecting other discs w/ this group on Watchorn's label.  Liner notes are excellent w/ a page on Conrad Graf (maker of the piano) & a page written by the restorer of the ca. 1835 Graf fortepiano #2148 - after 2 yrs of restoration the piano was obtained by Penelope Crawford in 1994.

Now I own these works in just a 2-disc collection w/ the BAT from the 1960s - this newer 2-disc offering (in a single double-disc jewel box size) offers superb integrated playing and great up-front sound; these works have just so much variety from beautiful slow melodies to grave and agitated (and dynamic) movements - the performers are beautifully integrated and the sound recording is excellent.  Short review from MusicWeb HERE.  For those wanting PI performances of the early Romantics, explore this label w/ the Atlantis Trio - 

[Leo K.]

Baguer - don't have any discs of this composer - there were SO MANY back then!     Will add to my 'wish list' - 

Schubert, Franz - Piano Trios et al w/ the Atlantis Trio (Schroder on violin, Crawford on fortepiano, & Sutherland on cello); these are older recordings (1994 & 95) released on the Musica Omnia label - I've been collecting other discs w/ this group on Watchorn's label.  Liner notes are excellent w/ a page on Conrad Graf (maker of the piano) & a page written by the restorer of the ca. 1835 Graf fortepiano #2148 - after 2 yrs of restoration the piano was obtained by Penelope Crawford in 1994.

Now I own these works in just a 2-disc collection w/ the BAT from the 1960s - this newer 2-disc offering (in a single double-disc jewel box size) offers superb integrated playing and great up-front sound; these works have just so much variety from beautiful slow melodies to grave and agitated (and dynamic) movements - the performers are beautifully integrated and the sound recording is excellent.  Short review from MusicWeb HERE.  For those wanting PI performances of the early Romantics, explore this label w/ the Atlantis Trio - 

Dave, thanks so much for the heads up on the Schubert, as I'm in the market for a PI Schubert Trios set. Since discovering how different and haunting his sonatas sound on the fortepiano, I really would like to hear his trios on a PI recording!

[Leo K.]

Just discovered the "Spanish Mozart" (although, it ought to be the Basque Mozart), Juan Crisóstomo Jacobo Antonio de Arriaga y Balzola (January 27, 1806 – January 17, 1826) "was a Spanish composer. He was nicknamed the "Spanish Mozart" after he died, because, like Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, he was also a child prodigy and an accomplished composer who died young. Whether by coincidence or design, they also shared the same first and second baptismal names; and they shared the same birthday, January 27 (fifty years apart)." [Wikipedia]

I've got a CD of his three string quartets, written when he was 18, but really very good music.

Here's more info from Wiki:

Too bad he died so young, and also that so little of his work survived.  Judging from the quality of the SQs, his nickname is not undeserved.

My recording is this one by the Rasoumovsky Quartet:

[Actually mine has a different cover, but I couldn't find an image.]

But there are several to choose from.

I almost picked up an Arriaga disk (of the strong quartets) at the used store some time ago, and now wished I did. Thanks for the reminder, because this composer has been on my wish list for some time.

[Leo K.]

I am about to jump into to this intriguing disk, featuring a composer totally new to me, Manuel Blasco de Nebra (1750-1784).



Here is a review of this disk by Andrew Clements, The Guardian, Friday 5 February 2010 :

Manuel Blasco de Nebra (1750-1784) was a keyboard player as well as a composer, and an assistant to his father José, who was organist at Seville Cathedral. Manuel is reckoned to have composed around 170 works in his short career, but of those only 30 pieces, all for either harpsichord or fortepiano, survive. Javier Peranes plays eight of them on this beautiful disc, six sonatas and two of the rustic, three-movement pastorelas. Perianes uses a modern concert grand, and shows that while Blasco de Nebra was influenced by the keyboard sonatas of Domenico Scarlatti, most of all – his sonatas all adopt the same two-movement, slow- fast scheme – he was well aware of what was happening musically elsewhere in Europe in the 1770s. Blasco de Nebra's expressive world is far more searching than anything in Scarlatti's 500-odd sonatas: the opening Adagio of his Sonata No 1 in C minor, for instance, sounds almost like a Chopin nocturne, and elsewhere his harmonic world can be a richly mysterious one. Perianes sometimes lards the music with a bit too much of that expressiveness, but otherwise his performances are excellent, communicating a real sense of revelation, of bringing a distinctive composer's voice to a 21st-century audience for the first time.

[SonicMan46]

I am about to jump into to this intriguing disk, featuring a composer totally new to me, Manuel Blasco de Nebra (1750-1784).

 

Here is a review of this disk by Andrew Clements, The Guardian, Friday 5 February 2010 :

Leo - I have the disc inserted above (right) - remember enjoying the music and the performance quite well - have not added to my 1 CD (yet?) collection of this short-lived composer - Dave 

[Gurn Blanston]

Attn: All Lovers of Baryton

I have found a fantastic CD of baryton music unlike anything on the well-known and deservedly well-loved Haydn collection.

Abel, Carl Friedrich: Pièces Pour Baryton À Cordes



The music is virtuostic and very pleasing.  The writing for the strings is also imaginative and it all adds up to one of the most exciting new discoveries I've made in a while.

That's very cool Leon. Abel was a professional (and highly superior) Gambist, so no surprise he wrote excellent works. In addition, he wasn't handicapped by having to write for an amateur. I think this is a must buy. Thanks for the tip.

[SonicMan46]

That's very cool Leon. Abel was a professional (and highly superior) Gambist, so no surprise he wrote excellent works. In addition, he wasn't handicapped by having to write for an amateur. I think this is a must buy. Thanks for the tip.

Gurn - totally agree and already ordered on my end!     Thanks, Leon for the find & thumbs up!  Dave 

[Gurn Blanston]

In closer listening, what this is is solo baryton.  But when I first heard it I thought there were pizzicato strings on one piece which sounded like a nice effect, but what it's really the baryton played pizzicato.  The title that I thought was "baryton and strings" is really "pieces for string baryton".  Still, it is wonderful music played extremely well.

Sorry for misleading you guys.   

  (please excuse my chuckle). First timer I heard a baryton I thought it was a duet between a cello and a guitar. My reading about it had said that the backside strings played sympathetically, but in fact this player was picking them (with his thumb?). And it sounded like a guitar. Anyway, my surmise it that you got taken in precisely the same way I did. Haydn very rarely wrote any pizzicato because the prince wasn't up for it. It will be nice to hear this Abel for a different take on the instrument.

BTW, here is a very fine disk of Abel's solo gamba works.



He must have been a very talented player.




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Now playing:
L'Archibudelli - Bia 153 Op 9 Trios (3) for Strings (HIP) #1 in G 3rd mvmt - Scherzo: Allegro