Topic: Pieces that have blown you away recently

[Symphonic Addict]

Massenet: Le Carillon - Ballet

I consider that Massenet is seriously underrated. The orchestral works I've heard from his pen have meant good moments aplenty to me (the operas still continue unknown to me, though). Today this rather short ballet (38-minute long) has delighted me in a high degree, I must say. The opening alone is laden by such joy and instrumental feast that won't leave you indifferent. Massenet imprints freshness and has a good ear to colourful orchestration, all of that proves to be true in this charming ballet. And good climaxes were his specialty! Sounds splendidly performed and it could be found in that Decca Edition.

[Brian]

The Tamberg Symphonic Dances and Concerto Grosso are among my very favorite neoclassical works by anyone. I don't know how much more Tamberg is unrecorded in various genres, but I would happily explore all of it and support any label that tries it.

[Maestro267]

Hans Werner Henze's Symphonies, especially Nos. 6 & 7. Just completely mindblowing and wringing every last dram out of the tension.

On the Intensity Scale I'll rank this somewhere between Hartmann and Pettersson, ie. right near the top of the scale.

[relm1]

Hans Werner Henze's Symphonies, especially Nos. 6 & 7. Just completely mindblowing and wringing every last dram out of the tension.

On the Intensity Scale I'll rank this somewhere between Hartmann and Pettersson, ie. right near the top of the scale.

I like his music too.

[ritter]

I’ve often stated my general dislike for the violin + piano combination, and have on occasion also mentioned my ambivalence regarding Karol Szymanowski, but this composer has achieved the unexpected: I’m bowled over by Mythes! What a piece!

I first approached the work via this CD, that I had actually bought for the solo piano music it contains (Métopes and Masques):

[Brian]

I listened to Miaskovsky Symphony No. 21 last night (Gould/Chicago/RCA) and was surprised to find that the fast parts sound a lot like...Walton?

[Irons]

Choral music is far from being a first love but "blown away" by Holst's Psalm 86. A lovely performance from Imogen Holst, The Purcell Singers, Ian Partridge with Ralph Downes (organ) and ECO. A masterpiece of simplicity.

[Mirror Image]

I’ve often stated my general dislike for the violin + piano combination, and have on occasion also mentioned my ambivalence regarding Karol Szymanowski, but this composer has achieved the unexpected: I’m bowled over by Mythes! What a piece!

I first approached the work via this CD, that I had actually bought for the solo piano music it contains (Métopes and Masques):

Nice! Szymanowski is one of my favorites. Good to read you were quite taken with Mythes. Such a lovely piece.

[Mirror Image]

Hans Werner Henze's Symphonies, especially Nos. 6 & 7. Just completely mindblowing and wringing every last dram out of the tension.

On the Intensity Scale I'll rank this somewhere between Hartmann and Pettersson, ie. right near the top of the scale.

Very cool. I need to spend more time with the Henze symphonies, but his music in general. I've liked much of what I've heard so far.

[kyjo]

A great piece indeed, and I agree about the Piazzollan tune in the 1st movement, it gives more personality to it.

(Forgive the belated reply ) I'm glad you enjoyed it, Cesar!

[kyjo]

Massenet: Le Carillon - Ballet

I consider that Massenet is seriously underrated. The orchestral works I've heard from his pen have meant good moments aplenty to me (the operas still continue unknown to me, though). Today this rather short ballet (38-minute long) has delighted me in a high degree, I must say. The opening alone is laden by such joy and instrumental feast that won't leave you indifferent. Massenet imprints freshness and has a good ear to colourful orchestration, all of that proves to be true in this charming ballet. And good climaxes were his specialty! Sounds splendidly performed and it could be found in that Decca Edition.

I don't know that particular ballet, but I totally agree with what you say about Massenet. The world could use more of his totally charming and unpretentious music - it's a shame that he's only remembered for one 5-minute piece, the ubiquitous Meditation from Thais. I've gained immense pleasure from his orchestral suites, the ballet Espada, and his Piano Concerto (which has one of the catchiest finales in the repertoire). I really ought to listen to a few of his operas....

[kyjo]

The Tamberg Symphonic Dances and Concerto Grosso are among my very favorite neoclassical works by anyone. I don't know how much more Tamberg is unrecorded in various genres, but I would happily explore all of it and support any label that tries it.

I very much agree, Brian. A tantalizing and detailed worklist can be found here: https://www.emic.ee/?sisu=heliloojad&mid=58&id=92&lang=eng&action=view&method=teosed

[classicalgeek]

I very much agree, Brian. A tantalizing and detailed worklist can be found here: https://www.emic.ee/?sisu=heliloojad&mid=58&id=92&lang=eng&action=view&method=teosed

Someone needs to get on a complete Tamberg edition ASAP! I've only heard a few of his works, but I've greatly enjoyed them.

As for the piece that 'blew me away', that was Szymanowski's First Violin Concerto. I'm familiar with some of Szymanowski's music and I've found it engaging and colorful, but somehow the First Violin Concerto eluded me. It was a true 'where has this been all my life?' moment - writing for the soloist that's achingly lyrical one moment, only to turn hair-raisingly virtuosic a minute later. And it's dazzlingly orchestrated on top of that - he uses a full symphony orchestra (including triple winds, several percussionists, harp, celesta, and piano) but it never overwhelms the soloist. I listened to the recording with Jennifer Koh and Carlos Kalmar that also includes some Martinu and Bartok, but there are a number of good recordings available. Just a stunning work, and a reminder that I need to get even better acquainted with Szymanowski!

[DaveF]

As for the piece that 'blew me away', that was Szymanowski's First Violin Concerto. I'm familiar with some of Szymanowski's music...

If Mirror Image were here, he'd certainly be agreeing.  If you don't know Harnasie and the Stabat Mater, then don't delay.

For me, this is a bit of a recent find:



I used to have the Humoresques on this LP many years ago:



Yet another of those old Turnabout releases that goes straight to the top of the "Worst LP Art" thread.  Needless to say, Kuusisto and the Tapiola are rather better (in sound and performance as well as cover art).

[Peter Power Pop]

Massenet: Le Carillon - Ballet

I consider that Massenet is seriously underrated. The orchestral works I've heard from his pen have meant good moments aplenty to me (the operas still continue unknown to me, though). Today this rather short ballet (38-minute long) has delighted me in a high degree, I must say. The opening alone is laden by such joy and instrumental feast that won't leave you indifferent. Massenet imprints freshness and has a good ear to colourful orchestration, all of that proves to be true in this charming ballet. And good climaxes were his specialty! Sounds splendidly performed and it could be found in that Decca Edition.

Jules Massenet : Le Carillon, Ballet in one act (1892) (National Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Richard Bonynge)

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/nDfyv6HQfzs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/nDfyv6HQfzs</a>

[kyjo]

For me, this is a bit of a recent find:

That's a great disc! The Humoresques and Swanwhite Suite are two of the best-kept secrets of Sibelius' oeuvre.