Favorite Discoveries of 2010

[jowcol]

So far, much of this year has been about reaquainting myself with some composers who I had either not given a chance or have completely blown off for whatever reason. Some of my rediscoveries have been Berg, Bloch, Martinu, Piston, Vivaldi, Corelli, Rodrigo, Part, Massenet, Roussel, and Webern.

Let me add the Vivaldi Cello concerti-- although that may have been last winter.  Some of Vivaldi's best work!

[Brian]

Glancing quickly at my listening log, here are a few things I've heard for the first time in 2010 that I really, really liked!

Grieg: Violin Sonata No 3
Englund: Piano Concerto No 1
Zwilich: Peanuts Gallery
Popper: Cello suite Op 69
Hartmann: Symphony No 6
Mahler: Symphony No 8 part I (didn't listen to part II yet, but I was impressed to discover that my prior notion of absolutely hating the work was totally wrong for what I heard!)
J.C. Bach: Cello Concerto
Piatigorsky: Variations on a theme by Paganini (yes, that Piatigorsky, and yes, that theme)
Brahms: Piano Quartet No 2
Dorman: Piano Concerto, Piccolo Concerto
Madetoja: Elegy for Strings
Saint-Saens: Piano Concerto No 5
Gade: Symphony No 1
Vycpalek: Cantata of the Last Things of Man
Mozart: Violin Concerto No 5
Stookey: The Composer is Dead
Haydn: Piano Sonatas Nos 1-18

But all this is ignoring the elephant in the room: prior to 2010, I had never heard a Beethoven string quartet. Now, I've seen Op 59 No 1, the "Serioso," and another I've forgotten live, and am listening on CD to the quartets, one-by-one, strictly in order. I'm still on Op 18 No 4, because I'm savoring them. 

[Brahmsian]

Brahms: Piano Quartet No 2

Interesting you list this one Brian, as that is the least favorite of mine, out of Brahms' 3 piano quartets.  I nowhere nearly enjoy this one compared to the other two, so I am very happy to hear you say you do enjoy it! 

[karlhenning]

Which is the g minor quartet?

[Opus106]

[FD2010] Listening to one right now: Janáček's Glagolitic Mass. Awesome work!

[karlhenning]

[FD2010] Listening to one right now: Janáček's Glagolitic Mass. Awesome work!

Excellent! Which recording?

[bhodges]

[FD2010] Listening to one right now: Janáček's Glagolitic Mass. Awesome work!

It is a great piece, eh!  Yes, I also would be interested in knowing which recording...

--Bruce

[Brahmsian]

Which is the g minor quartet?

That is Piano Quartet # 1

[Opus106]

Excellent! Which recording?

A concert recording from the year past. Boulez leads the Orchestre de Paris.

[karlhenning]

A concert recording from the year past. Boulez leads the Orchestre de Paris.

Most interesting, Nav!

That is Piano Quartet # 1

Thanks, Ray!  I have yet to hear it in Brahms's original;  but I'm a great fan of the piece thanks to a celebrated arrangement.

[Scarpia]

It is a great piece, eh!  Yes, I also would be interested in knowing which recording...

I've listened to two recordings of the Glagolitic, one by Chailly, the other Rattle.  The Chailly is my preferred by a long shot.

[Brahmsian]

Thanks, Ray!  I have yet to hear it in Brahms's original;  but I'm a great fan of the piece thanks to a celebrated arrangement.

Please do not mention the name of the composer who created this celebrated arrangement!    Just kidding.  You'd be doing so at your own risk. 

[Scarpia]

Thanks, Ray!  I have yet to hear it in Brahms's original;  but I'm a great fan of the piece thanks to a celebrated arrangement.

  You've not heard the Brahms piano quartets?  If I were running this board your posting privileges would be revoked until you provide proof of purchase of this recording.
 

[bhodges]

I've listened to two recordings of the Glagolitic, one by Chailly, the other Rattle.  The Chailly is my preferred by a long shot.

The Chailly is the one I have, I believe, and it's great. 

--Bruce

[Opus106]

Please do not mention the name of the composer who created this celebrated arrangement!    Just kidding.  You'd be doing so at your own risk. 

Nah -- he'll find it a pleasure do so.

I must say, it surprises me that he hasn't listened to the original.

[karlhenning]

Nah -- he'll find it a pleasure do so.

I must say, it surprises me that he hasn't listened to the original.

Yes, because He Who Arranged It played the piece, and loved the original for that reason.

[karlhenning]

  You've not heard the Brahms piano quartets?  If I were running this board your posting privileges would be revoked until you provide proof of purchase of this recording.
 

Hmm. Wonder if they have that at Borders . . . .

[Brahmsian]

Karl, although much of Brahms' chamber output is masterpiece material, I really need to emphasize that the Op.25 and Op.60 piano quartets are really, really masterpiece material! 

[Opus106]

Yes, because He Who Arranged It played the piece

And you must be the Boy Who Lived (after listening to that).

[not edward]

I've listened to two recordings of the Glagolitic, one by Chailly, the other Rattle.  The Chailly is my preferred by a long shot.

*coughs politely*

Ancerl. That is all.