Nikolay Miaskovsky (1881-1950)

Started by vandermolen, June 12, 2007, 01:21:32 PM

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Karl Henning

I like the lot, but an immediate favorite was no. 13 in a minor.
Karl Henning, Ph.D.
Composer & Clarinetist
Boston MA
http://www.karlhenning.com/
[Matisse] was interested neither in fending off opposition,
nor in competing for the favor of wayward friends.
His only competition was with himself. — Françoise Gilot

vandermolen

I don't prefer the SQs to the symphonies but, like Karl, I think very highly of the 13th SQ.
"Courage is going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm" (Churchill).

'The test of a work of art is, in the end, our affection for it, not our ability to explain why it is good' (Stanley Kubrick).

Irons

Quote from: lunar22 on February 03, 2025, 11:40:29 AMa quick look at this thread and it seems the vast majority of the posts are about Myaskovsky's symphonies. Although I've listened to the odd one, it's not an area I've systematically investigated so far. On the other hand I have the Taneyev box of all string 13 quartets which has been something of a revelation. Although the works don't quite have the individuality of Weinberg or Shostakovich, they are most beautifully written, contain exquisite harmony and frequently have considerable depth of feeling. After the two above, they seem to me one of the most significant cycles of the century with perhaps nos. 7-9 at their heart although the slightly more modernistic 1 and 2 are also very interesting and, apart perhaps from the somewhat juvenile no. 4 (which was among the first to be written), none are entirely negligible.

Is there anyone who actually prefers the quartets to the symphonies and in which case, which are your particular favourites?


I find little correlation between the symphonies and string quartets. The former influenced by place and times Miaskovsky lived and experienced. For string quartets, I find more purity of music with less outside influences.
I like all of his string quartets with 6 and 11 being favourites along with the popular 13. If you have not already listen to Cello Sonata No.2 one of the best things Miaskovsky wrote. 
You must have a very good opinion of yourself to write a symphony - John Ireland.

I opened the door people rushed through and I was left holding the knob - Bo Diddley.

lunar22

curiously it was hearing a cello sonata in concert-- probably that one -- which led my wife to ask me if we could investigate the string quartets. Well reminded to listen to that work!

I also get the impression that the quartets are much more "pure music", which can't really be pinned down to a particular time or place, than the symphonies which are often programmatic. That seems to be somewhat less the case with Weinberg and Shosty where in some of the quartets at any rate, there are clear autobiographical features.

vandermolen

#924
I think that the Cello Sonata No.2 is one of his finest works.
"Courage is going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm" (Churchill).

'The test of a work of art is, in the end, our affection for it, not our ability to explain why it is good' (Stanley Kubrick).

foxandpeng

Quote from: lunar22 on February 03, 2025, 11:40:29 AMa quick look at this thread and it seems the vast majority of the posts are about Myaskovsky's symphonies. Although I've listened to the odd one, it's not an area I've systematically investigated so far. On the other hand I have the Taneyev box of all string 13 quartets which has been something of a revelation. Although the works don't quite have the individuality of Weinberg or Shostakovich, they are most beautifully written, contain exquisite harmony and frequently have considerable depth of feeling. After the two above, they seem to me one of the most significant cycles of the century with perhaps nos. 7-9 at their heart although the slightly more modernistic 1 and 2 are also very interesting and, apart perhaps from the somewhat juvenile no. 4 (which was among the first to be written), none are entirely negligible.

Is there anyone who actually prefers the quartets to the symphonies and in which case, which are your particular favourites?


I spent a while last year (?) exploring the symphonies, but am yet to do the same with the SQs... on one of many long lists of future listening projects
"A quiet secluded life in the country, with the possibility of being useful to people ... then work which one hopes may be of some use; then rest, nature, books, music, love for one's neighbour — such is my idea of happiness"

Tolstoy

lunar22

Quote from: Karl Henning on February 03, 2025, 11:44:33 AMI like the lot, but an immediate favorite was no. 13 in a minor.

no 13 seems to be more recorded than the others. It seems to me a bit more extrovert and perhaps cheerful than the middle quartets which strike me as going slightly deeper -- nevertheless the faster movements, which can be a bit less inspired with Myaskovsky, are here a delight.

Incidentally, I quite often found with the earlier and middle period works (up to no,9) that they at times reminded me of French music and particularly Faure with a similar sensibility and harmonic colouring. Don't know if anyone else find this?