The Incredible Walter Piston (1894-1976)

[cilgwyn]

I pulled out the Naxos cd of his chamber music. I've had this for a while & only played it once. This time I really enjoyed it. So much I looked for more on Amazon and,for some reason,ended up with String quartets by Quincy Jones,which I also enjoyed!

[snyprrr]

I pulled out the Naxos cd of his chamber music. I've had this for a while & only played it once. This time I really enjoyed it. So much I looked for more on Amazon and,for some reason,ended up with String quartets by Quincy Jones,which I also enjoyed!

HUH???


I just pulled out Piston's 'Sonata for Violin & Harpsichord' (1945), a nice complement to the flute piece on that Naxos disc. He also has a 'Wind Quintet' that's pretty nice.

[cilgwyn]

Yes,he also produced records for Michael Jackson!!! I knew this name was going to floor me! I meant Quincy Porter,of course!

[snyprrr]

Yes,he also produced records for Michael Jackson!!! I knew this name was going to floor me! I meant Quincy Porter,of course!

Quincy Jones 'String Quartet' (1976)

This astonishing work, commissioned by the Kronos Quartet, is an extended suite of music sprouting into all territories of exploration, the end result that one has been on a journey through civilizations. Using every up to date technique, Jones seamlessly melds post-serial free jazz explorations with a unique organically generated harmonic structure that truly sounds orchestral. Layer on top of this a world inflected melodic and rhythmic melange that captivates as well as awes, and you have the single greatest piece of music this reviewer has ever heard! It's neglect is unfathomable.

[snyprrr]

Symphony No.2 (BSO/MTT; DG)

Does this count as Piston's '3rd', meaning, it's his,... well, you know?

I can't remember the Delos/Naxos recording, but the sheer sumptuousness of this experience is vital. This music flows like buttah, with a strongly discernible Nordic influence that nonetheless does not infringe on its generally sunny disposition.

Things that I normally complain about concerning Piston evaporate. I've always had a problem with the way Piston wraps up his Symphonies, which has severely hampered my enjoyment of that Albany disc with 5/7/8: meaningful and serious beginnings are always left with a typical, shortish, Finale. Even if that's the case here (which I'm not totally sure of), the sheer presentation of this music is a joy.

I do think that most all of you have already stated your preference of No.2, so, this is just an update: nothing's changed here, haha! The very first notes, the theme, is so... mm... 'deceptive' to me. I want to call it 'obvious', but it insinuates itself as a 'perfect' theme, and I just accept and go along for the ride.

Piston's general demeanor is much different than Schuman's. Though both seem to have similar outlooks, it really is fun noting the completely different approaches (I guess I'm comparing to Schuman's 3rd; perhaps Schuman's 4th is much closer to the Pistonian ethos?). Piston is much more the traditionalist, but, when his inspiration is high, as here, his originality comes to the fore.

Anyhow, the perfect introduction, but, be warned of the rabbit trail that follows.

[cilgwyn]

Oh well,at least you're post isn't about whether Piston only ever wrote one good symphony!
Seriously,I like that cd of Piston's 5,7 & 8. I think the main problem I have with Piston is whether any of his music really stays in my mind after I listen to it. Don't get me wrong;I do like Piston's music;but I can't think of anything as memorable,as say, Schuman's Sixth. After I heard it,that snarling brass kept going around & around in my head. I just couldn't get enough of it.

[Daverz]

Oh well,at least you're post isn't about whether Piston only ever wrote one good symphony!
Seriously,I like that cd of Piston's 5,7 & 8. I think the main problem I have with Piston is whether any of his music really stays in my mind after I listen to it. Don't get me wrong;I do like Piston's music;but I can't think of anything as memorable,as say, Schuman's Sixth. After I heard it,that snarling brass kept going around & around in my head. I just couldn't get enough of it.

Not the 2nd Symphony?

[cilgwyn]

I wasn't just making an observation. If I hear an ABBA record (on the radio) it goes around in my head afterwards;but I still prefer Walter Piston! I just don't think his music has a very individual sound. Roy Harris,on the other hand,is immediately identifiable. But,I still prefer Walter Piston.There's a sense of purpose,an evolving argument which engrosses my attention. It also has a lot of atmosphere,which I find very enthralling. Roy Harris use of the orchestra is bolder & more colorful;but after a while he's a bit like a bar room bore,pontificating & repeating the same old story,over & over again.
Mennin is another interesting comparison. His orchestration is very grey,and frankly,a little on the monotonous side;but again the argument is vigorous & compelling. Having said that,I can't say there isn't anything particularly memorable about it;except that;it's grey,steely in countenance, strangely engrossing......and I think I might listen to him again!!

Piston is one of my favourite American composers,I should point out!

[snyprrr]

Not the 2nd Symphony?

I wasn't just making an observation. If I hear an ABBA record (on the radio) it goes around in my head afterwards;but I still prefer Walter Piston! I just don't think his music has a very individual sound. Roy Harris,on the other hand,is immediately identifiable. But,I still prefer Walter Piston.There's a sense of purpose,an evolving argument which engrosses my attention. It also has a lot of atmosphere,which I find very enthralling. Roy Harris use of the orchestra is bolder & more colorful;but after a while he's a bit like a bar room bore,pontificating & repeating the same old story,over & over again.
Mennin is another interesting comparison. His orchestration is very grey,and frankly,a little on the monotonous side;but again the argument is vigorous & compelling. Having said that,I can't say there isn't anything particularly memorable about it;except that;it's grey,steely in countenance, strangely engrossing......and I think I might listen to him again!!

Piston is one of my favourite American composers,I should point out!

I have to ask with Daverz... what about the opening melody of No.2? I've remembered that since the first time I heard it. It's kind of American Indian sounding, plus a little Sibelius. If you're holding back that you haven't yet heard No.2, please do give it a shot:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hjc19jEbEkQ

How can one forget THAT?! No other Symphony opens like that, dooes it?

[cilgwyn]

Oh well,at least you're post isn't about whether Piston only ever wrote one good symphony!
Seriously,I like that cd of Piston's 5,7 & 8. I think the main problem I have with Piston is whether any of his music really stays in my mind after I listen to it. Don't get me wrong;I do like Piston's music;but I can't think of anything as memorable,as say, Schuman's Sixth. After I heard it,that snarling brass kept going around & around in my head. I just couldn't get enough of it.

With the notable exception of No 2!!!

[Karl Henning]

I admit, you chaps are making me curious to hear the Second . . . .

[Karl Henning]

I pulled out the Naxos cd of his chamber music.

I've had that one pert near forever, but I don't think I've yet listened to it.

[cilgwyn]

I've had that one pert near forever, but I don't think I've yet listened to it.

Same here! Although I did play it once.
I've got the String quartets,too.
And Quincy Porter?!!

I must play them!

[TheGSMoeller]

Piston's 2nd is a great work, short, sweet and to the point. A sublimely lyrical Adagio, with lovely woodwind solos, and a colorful Allegro finale. First heard this work in high school, have always enjoyed it.

Oh, and don't forget Piston's The Incredible Flutist, another crowd-pleasing work. A lively work indeed.

[Karl Henning]

Oh, and don't forget Piston's The Incredible Flutist, another crowd-pleasing work. A lively work indeed.

Curiously, that is a title which I have known for as long as I have know the name of Piston.  However, though I have seen a couple of measures of the piece in an orchestration text, I've never heard it.

By the way:  does anyone know the Clarinet Concerto? A delightful piece, and gerat fun to play . . . I played it (with piano reduction) for my Junior Recital, back in the day.

[Leo K.]

It's time I listen to some Piston again.

[NJ Joe]

I admit, you chaps are making me curious to hear the Second . . . .

I own this and love it.  Highly recommended.

[Karl Henning]

Thanks, Joe... time I took that plunge.

[Daverz]

The best recording of 2 was by Tilson Thomas:



The older CD on the right had the William Schuman Violin Concerto, which seems to have been orphaned.

And the best of 6 was by Munch, in very good stereo.  It was available from Japan at one time.

[snyprrr]

I've had that one pert near forever, but I don't think I've yet listened to it.

Same here! Although I did play it once.
I've got the String quartets,too.
And Quincy Porter?!!

I must play them!

Really guys?

That's the most substantial Piston disc I've heard. The Piano Quintet is practically a minor masterpiece, and the two later works are wonderfully knotty and turgid. You guys with masses of unopened cds... uh uh uh My email is...

Piston's 2nd is a great work, short, sweet and to the point. A sublimely lyrical Adagio, with lovely woodwind solos, and a colorful Allegro finale. First heard this work in high school, have always enjoyed it.

Oh, and don't forget Piston's The Incredible Flutist, another crowd-pleasing work. A lively work indeed.

I was listening in the car, and when I got back in, and forgot what I was listening to, I heard the flute solo in the slow movement and was like, Hey? What's that? Yes, that's a lovely one there.

The DG recording really is just so sumptuous.