Five "unsung" works everyone should hear

[Parsifal]

I realize a lot of people are probably tired of me constantly carrying the banner for "unsung" composers, and I'm perfectly OK with that. Of course, my very favorite composers are and always will be the acknowledged "greats" (Rachmaninov, Tchaikovsky, Mahler, Sibelius, Shostakovich, Bruckner etc.), but I will reiterate any chance I get that there are so many other composers who are sadly neglected compared to the "greats". Listening to "unsung" music properly all about two things: exposure and persistence. One thing that really p*sses me off is when listeners automatically dismiss a composer or a piece of music just because it isn't "popular" or "well-known" enough. I couldn't give less of a damn whether a composer or piece is "popular" or not. People just need to shut up and listen! IMO a lot of the pieces I listed, many people would enjoy if they only would give them a try. If they don't enjoy or connect with it, that's OK too, as long as they've given it a fair shake and don't harshly criticize it like Brian has. Opinions can always change upon further hearings, especially with 20th century music. Persistence is another big factor. Many listeners rely on their sometimes negative first impressions only to judge the quality of a particular work. You need to fully absorb and spend time with the music. Take a composer like Rubbra for instance. His music has very little surface appeal. It will take the average listener around 3 or 4 listenings to fully grasp the depth and purpose of his music. This comment (or should I say rant) isn't only directed towards Brian; it is meant for everybody here. Many people will keep on listening to only the acknowledged "greats" and/or keep on dismissing "unsung" music and all I can say to them is you're missing out on a lot!

Apologies for the rant! Hopefully someone has gotten something out of this!

Executive summary:  "I will list every piece I've ever heard as an 'unsung masterpiece' and everyone is then obligated to 'give it a fair shake' or I will take offense." 

Actually, no.

"A big blob of not very interesting tunes" was Brian's reaction to Braga Santos 2. I mean, a better way to phrase his opinion would be "I found this symphony a bit overlong and I wasn't able to detect much memorable material". I'm not saying Brian's opinion is wrong (though I profoundly disagree with it), but he could have at least worded it a little less harshly. Brian is the first person I've met who's had a negative opinion of Braga Santos and I guess the shock his comment gave me got the better of me. It was his comment about John and I listing all the "post-romantic" works we like that really ruffled me, not his opinions of the music.

Now you're in charge of telling us how to express ourselves? 

[Brian]

Brian is the first person I've met who's had a negative opinion of Braga Santos

Not true. Your mom kidding. I have a positive opinion of Braga Santos. I'm a big fan of the Fourth Symphony, and have admired many of his shorter works too (a divertimento and cello concerto, I think, were especially good? can't remember). I was one of the charter members of this forum's old unofficial club, the Braga Santos Enthusiasts. You're just so upset that somebody disagreed with you that you've jumped to all sorts of conclusions about me.

For example...

BTW when listening to "unsung" music you have to have a more open mindset than you had when listening to a lot of those pieces, Brian.

This and a few other unconnected remarks in your next post seem to imply that I'm not an "unsung" music person and that this is my first dabble with it. Not so. Just looking at page 1 and no further, I'm a fan of JBS 4, Atterberg 3 (and 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 ), the Gothic Symphony (which I have seen live), late Myaskovsky symphonies, and Shostakovich's Preludes and Fugues. I've used my position as a reviewer over at MusicWeb to champion names like Auerbach, Aulin, Brouwer, Coleridge-Taylor, de Freitas, Francaix, Gyrowetz, Hamerik, Kats-Chernin, Thomas Oboe Lee, Quantz, and Vali in 2013 alone.

That said, I know what I like. There are certain things about music that make me like it more or less, just the same as anybody else. And as dyn so rightly points out, everyone in this thread (now including me) has just given out lists of pieces of music without any explanations as to their merits or why, particularly, "everyone should hear" them. Around page 4 of the thread this turned into lists of not just 5 per person but 25 per person with no attached notes or comments or justifications. So jumping in and listening to 14 pieces over the course of 2.5 days is kind of a big investment of time and energy.

I wasn't going to like all of them. Heck, you're not going to like all the pieces in this thread, assuming the thread's here for you to discover new music that other people post about, rather than congratulate other people on liking the music you already like. I'm sorry you're so personally hurt that I disliked a couple pieces. Here's hoping you get over it soon.

Now, I'm off to buy beer and pumpkin cider. Cheers!

EDIT: Misspelled "Quantz". Oops.

[Brian]

Not sure what you mean by that.

I'm not even sure I've ever listened to this.  I would have mentioned one of the suites, either South Bohemian Suite or Slovak Suite.

Thanks for the Halffter CD rec! I think that Moore symphony - hrmm I think what I meant was, it was like a scone, a little sweet and quite pleasant, but having finished it I can't really remember it.

The Slovak Suite is a lot of fun, and so is Novak's "In the Tatras". The two most popular works too, probably.

[kyjo]

i've also sort of skimmed this thread, less because it's mostly the same few people making lists and more because it's just that—lists.

If someone thinks that a particular piece is something "everyone" should hear, i want to know why—what is it that attracts you to this particular piece or composer? what emotions does it evoke in you? what sort of relationship do you have with the music? et cetera. i only see a few places where people try to express what makes these pieces great. elsewhere it's just... names. which often don't mean a whole lot to an unfamiliar listener.

You've got a good point, dyn. When I have more time, I'm going to go back and give descriptions of each piece I listed and why I believe everyone should hear it.

[Cato]

A few years ago I was re-introduced via GMG to Kalliwoda!

[asin]B000GQL8OA[/asin]

Highly recommended!  After a nice start, it seems CPO is no longer making CD's of works by Kalliwoda.

Also an all-around fave: Mehul.

[asin]B0000037CW[/asin]

[kyjo]

A few years ago I was re-introduced via GMG to Kalliwoda!

[asin]B000GQL8OA[/asin]

Highly recommended!  After a nice start, it seems CPO is no longer making CD's of works by Kalliwoda.

Also an all-around fave: Mehul.

[asin]B0000037CW[/asin]

Excellent! I really enjoy Kalivoda's and Mehul's symphonies. They have an involving Beethovenian vigor. Mehul's symphonies are actually quite forward-looking.

[kyjo]

I would like to extend an apology to Brian for being such a jerk to him. I made it sound like my opinion is the only valid one, which is certainly not true. I think I was just more surprised than angry with Brian's post. It's just that Braga Santos and Novak happen to be composers close to my heart. Also, I completely agree with those who criticize this thread for being lists with no deeper meaning. Like I said before, I shall elaborate upon my lists when I have more time. I have been awfully busy lately and, therefore, abnormally cranky! 

[kyjo]

OK, here's my first five:

Schmidt: Symphony no. 4: A deeply tragic work inspired by the death of his daughter. Featuring poignant solos for the trumpet and cello as well as passionate tutti climaxes, this work deserves to be ranked alongside Bruckner and Mahler.

Braga Santos: Symphony no. 4: This work is nothing short of a masterpiece. It features gorgeous, memorable tunes that sweep the listener away. The finale, which features a heart-wrenchingly beautiful chorale theme, is one of the most redemptive, uplifting passages in all of classical music.

Casella: Symphony no. 3: Surely one of the most remarkable works to come from Italy and one of the masterpieces of the 20th century. Casella isn't afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve, especially in the slow movement (which can reduce grown men to tears), but nothing is sentimental or overdone. Casella keeps a tight rein on his musical material and every note is meaningful.

Atterberg: Symphony no. 3: Atterberg is able to conjure up sweeping vistas of Nordic seascapes so vividly in this work. The Storm movement is magnificently tempestuous, and the finale will take your breath away in its atmospheric beauty. Surely one of the most remarkable examples of nature painting in music.

Brian: Symphony no. 1 Gothic: This colossal work is nothing short of amazing for a first symphony. Mahler may be an influence on Brian's music, but there's really nothing quite like this symphony out there. From demonic xylophone (!) solos to crashing orchestral and choral outbursts to lyrical writing of great passion (such as the magically hushed ending), this work encompasses so much. It needs to be heard to be believed.

I'll get around to the others at a later point. Hope these elaborations help!

[Mirror Image]

Thanks. I'm not familiar with any of Meyer's music and will have to acquaint myself with it soon! Love your Shosty avatar by the way. I better not see Schnittke back up there, though!

You're welcome. It's quite an enjoyable work. I need to acquaint myself with more of Meyer's music as well. (seeks out Dux recordings on Amazon)

[Mirror Image]

OK, here's my first five:

Schmidt: Symphony no. 4: A deeply tragic work inspired by the death of his daughter. Featuring poignant solos for the trumpet and cello as well as passionate tutti climaxes, this work deserves to be ranked alongside Bruckner and Mahler.

Braga Santos: Symphony no. 4: This work is nothing short of a masterpiece. It features gorgeous, memorable tunes that sweep the listener away. The finale, which features a heart-wrenchingly beautiful chorale theme, is one of the most redemptive, uplifting passages in all of classical music.

Casella: Symphony no. 3: Surely one of the most remarkable works to come from Italy and one of the masterpieces of the 20th century. Casella isn't afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve, especially in the slow movement (which can reduce grown men to tears), but nothing is sentimental or overdone. Casella keeps a tight rein on his musical material and every note is meaningful.

Atterberg: Symphony no. 3: Atterberg is able to conjure up sweeping vistas of Nordic seascapes so vividly in this work. The Storm movement is magnificently tempestuous, and the finale will take your breath away in its atmospheric beauty. Surely one of the most remarkable examples of nature painting in music.

Brian: Symphony no. 1 Gothic: This colossal work is nothing short of amazing for a first symphony. Mahler may be an influence on Brian's music, but there's really nothing quite like this symphony out there. From demonic xylophone (!) solos to crashing orchestral and choral outbursts to lyrical writing of great passion (such as the magically hushed ending), this work encompasses so much. It needs to be heard to be believed.

I'll get around to the others at a later point. Hope these elaborations help!

Nice descriptions, Kyle and thanks for taking the time to write about your first list. I think I'll elaborate on my first list as well...

[kyjo]

You're welcome. It's quite an enjoyable work. I need to acquaint myself with more of Meyer's music as well. (seeks out Dux recordings on Amazon)

Yeah, I've been eyeing up a few of those orchestral recordings, which are out of print but still manageable to get ahold of:

[asin]B002RB58HU[/asin]   [asin]B00004SA73[/asin]   [asin]B00166QKWE[/asin]

I think I'll go resurrect the Meyer thread, and, if there isn't one, start one!

[Octave]

Descriptions/arguments would be welcome, but I wonder if the champions of this thread might also consider providing YT/etc offerings, at least samples if not whole pieces?  Whenever possible. 
I'm thinking of the "21st Century Music" thread.  Those interested enough to hear the piece can always look YT recordings up themselves, but it could be quite useful to have them in one thread as a resource.  I think you guys already provide such links elsewhere with some frequency, but this thread could turn into a variation on the successful 21c or "Only the New" threads.

[kyjo]

Descriptions/arguments would be welcome, but I wonder if the champions of this thread might also consider providing YT/etc offerings, at least samples if not whole pieces?  Whenever possible. 
I'm thinking of the "21st Century Music" thread.  Those interested enough to hear the piece can always look YT recordings up themselves, but it could be quite useful to have them in one thread as a resource.  I think you guys already provide such links elsewhere with some frequency, but this thread could turn into a variation on the successful 21c or "Only the New" threads.

Many of the pieces I have listed are easily accessible from YouTube and other resources (Naxos Music Library, Spotify etc.). I'll provide a YT link next to works I've listed if that particular piece is represented there (which I often is).

[Daverz]

Thanks for the Halffter CD rec!

Sonatina is in very much the same neo-classical vein.

His brother Rudolfo was also a composer.

I think that Moore symphony - hrmm I think what I meant was, it was like a scone, a little sweet and quite pleasant, but having finished it I can't really remember it.

The andante really stuck in my head. 

[kishnevi]

Let me take a stab at this; and I'll try to limit myself, with one exception, to composers active in the 20th-21th centuries.

Alan Bush: Symphony No. 1 in C Major, Op. 21
H. Villa-Lobos:  Choros.   Any and all of them.
N. Gade: Symphony No. 4 (that's the exception)
E. Meyer: Quintet for two violins, viola, 'cello, and double bass
Penderecki: Sextet

The Bush I have as part of a set from Membran,  "The British Music Collection".
The only recording of the Meyer which I know of is on DG, with Emerson SQ and the composer performing; it's paired with the Emersons playing a quartet by Rorem.
Penderecki I have on a Naxos CD of his (wind oriented) chamber music, but I'm sure there's at least one other recording available.
The Villa Lobos is available as a box set from BIS, and the Gade I have as part of another BIS set.

I would have in fact made an entry for Atterberg's symphonies (another case of any and all of them, as far as I'm concerned) but obviously he's got advocates already on this thread.

ETA:  This being GMG,  Bush is of course a known quantity, with his own thread and all,  starting here:
http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,10535.msg261350.html#msg261350

[Madiel]

Random thoughts/maybe it will be a list by the time I get to the end of it...

I'm mostly thinking about unsung works more than unsung composers. Partly that's because my music collection is not as wide as many people here.

1. Faure - Piano Quintet No.1: Later Faure is all too easily neglected for the earlier, prettier stuff. And while I absolutely love the earlier works as well (in chamber music, the two piano quartets and the first violin sonata), the later works are just as glorious.  The first piano quintet is on the cusp between 'middle' and 'late' Faure and has a yearning, searching quality that I find mesmerising.

2. Holmboe - Symphony No.5: There had to be a Holmboe work on this list, it was just a question of which one. I'm a big fan of the 8th symphony, which has already been mentioned, but I've gone for this one because it's so readily accessible. If orchestras are scared about presenting 20th century music from less well-known composers to their audiences, then surely they could be comfortable about programming this work and getting a positive reaction.

3. Thomas Linley the Younger - Arise! Ye Spirits of the Storm (from incidental music for 'The Tempest'): Basically the best thing I ever stumbled across on classical radio from a composer I didn't know, so much so that I hunted down the entire CD. 6 minutes of superb choral music that could easily be slipped into a concert program somewhere.

4. Rachmaninov - Variations on a theme by Corelli: Well actually, the theme isn't by Corelli at all. But the point is, Rachmaninov's few late works are masterpieces in my view, and really only the Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini has much popularity.  These solo piano variations on 'La Folia' are superbly dark and powerful.

5. Bach, J.S. - Capriccio on the Departure of the Beloved Brother, BWV 992 Okay, can any Bach be "unsung"? Maybe not, but it still seems to me that this work is nowhere near as well known as the titans of his keyboard output such as the suite collections and the 48 preludes & fugues. I have a recording tucked away on a disc of miscellaneous Bach works, and when I finally listened to the capriccio properly, in its own right, I was struck by how delightful it was.

[kishnevi]

Happy to see Krzysztof Meyer getting some plugs - but it is his string quartets which appeal to me the most.  His SQ (and Weinberg's SQ) are some which join Carter, Shostokovich and Bartok, IMO, of as the ones from the 20C I come back to again and again.

https://www.youtube.com/v/KYqg9RYrAtI

I do need to get those Meyer SQs.....but I would amend your short list to add Ligeti and Villa Lobos.

[kyjo]

Happy to see Krzysztof Meyer getting some plugs - but it is his string quartets which appeal to me the most.  His SQ (and Weinberg's SQ) are some which join Carter, Shostokovich and Bartok, IMO, of as the ones from the 20C I come back to again and again.

What's Meyer's style like, sanantonio?

[kyjo]

2. Holmboe - Symphony No.5: There had to be a Holmboe work on this list, it was just a question of which one. I'm a big fan of the 8th symphony, which has already been mentioned, but I've gone for this one because it's so readily accessible. If orchestras are scared about presenting 20th century music from less well-known composers to their audiences, then surely they could be comfortable about programming this work and getting a positive reaction.

Kudos for mentioning this work! I agree with everything in your post. Holmboe's music would appeal to a wide audience IMO and doesn't deserve the neglect it has gotten in the concert hall.

[Brian]

Writing in explanations for my choices (and narrowing them down to just five!)

1. Martinu - Oboe Concerto
My favorite oboe concerto. It's Martinu at his perkiest, loveliest, and easiest to program, and the craftsmanship is flawless.

2. Jean Cras - String Trio and/or Quintet for harp, flute, and strings
If you like the chamber music of Debussy, Ravel, Roussel, or Faure, you should try Jean Cras. His work in general is very good, and there are a couple lovely pieces for solo harp, but the most memorable of all might be the String Trio, with its overt homages to North African music Cras heard on his voyages.

3. Weinberg - Cello Concerto
My advocacy of this work on this forum is so old and predictable, I'm like a broken record. It's in my personal top-five cello concertos ever and it ought to be in every cellist's repertoire. Concert halls would go nuts. The tunes are huge, the emotions are huge, the writing is tremendous, the opening is insta-grip. I will never stop saying this.

4. Kalliwoda - Symphony No. 5
I've been known to describe Kalliwoda's Fifth as, "if Schubert's Tragic symphony really WAS tragic." The CPO recording makes it sound especially ferocious.

5. J.S. Bach - the cello suites played on viola
Recent superb discs by Antoine Tamestit and Maxim Rysanov have me wondering if maybe, just maybe, I prefer the "viola suites" as my main way of hearing these works.

- - -

I'm gonna listen to some more of folks' choices tomorrow. Jeffrey, Penderecki's Sextet is also available on a terrific new(ish) disc from the Ensemble Kheops featuring another unsung sextet for identical instrumentation - Erno Dohnanyi's. The works are arguably temperamental opposites, which makes the pairing even more inspired. Love both pieces.