Pieces that have blown you away recently

[Maestro267]

George Lloyd Symphony No. 9, especially the grim slow movement.

[relm1]

George Lloyd Symphony No. 9, especially the grim slow movement.

Yes, a very fine symphony with the slow movement being my favorite part. 

[VonStupp]

I haven't been able to tear myself away from von Weber's Flute Trio, since I heard it last week. As neither a regular listener of the Classical Era, nor chamber music, I have surprised myself here.

I've only heard the Kremerata, but will branch out after a while.
VS

[Symphonic Addict]

I haven't been able to tear myself away from von Weber's Flute Trio, since I heard it last week. As neither a regular listener of the Classical Era, nor chamber music, I have surprised myself here.

I've only heard the Kremerata, but will branch out after a while.
VS

Interesting. I don't remember this work well (in fact, I don't remember if I've ever listened to it).

BTW, do you know his Clarinet Quintet? Most people seem to listen to ones by Brahms and Mozart most of the time, but this is quite fun and inspired too.

[Symphonic Addict]

Kilar: Symphony No. 3 'September'

The tragic events of 2001 inspired Kilar to write this work, and what an ominous way to start out it has, one is automatically hooked. Kilar's minimalism works incredibly well, creating a strong sense of tension and mesmerizing effects (hear the relentless 2nd movement). The music has a sorrowful atmosphere in the movements 1 and 3 I found very effective; the 4th movement sounds like a hymn, although it didn't end happily, but in calm resignation. A special moment is near the ending of the 3rd movement where the music turns from doleful to a little more hopeful and consoling.

I have liked most of his works and this poignant symphony ranks very high for me.




In addition, these three works didn't necessarily blow me away, but I did find them pretty impressive:

Robert Still: Symphonies 3 and 4
Jurgis Karnavičius: String Quartet No. 4

[Florestan]

I haven't been able to tear myself away from von Weber's Flute Trio, since I heard it last week. As neither a regular listener of the Classical Era, nor chamber music, I have surprised myself here.

I've only heard the Kremerata, but will branch out after a while.
VS

The Gaudier Ensemble is excellent. And as a bonus, they have the clarinet quintet rightly praised above by Cesar.

[Florestan]

Kilar: Symphony No. 3 'September'



The tragic events of 2001 inspired Kilar to write this work, and what an ominous way to start out it has, one is automatically hooked. Kilar's minimalism works incredibly well, creating a strong sense of tension and mesmerizing effects (hear the relentless 2nd movement). The music has a sorrowful atmosphere in the movements 1 and 3 I found very effective; the 4th movement sounds like a hymn, although it didn't end happily, but in calm resignation. A special moment is near the ending of the 3rd movement where the music turns from doleful to a little more hopeful and consoling.

I have liked most of his works and this poignant symphony ranks very high for me.

Great cover art too.

[Jo498]

Interesting. I don't remember this work well (in fact, I don't remember if I've ever listened to it).

BTW, do you know his Clarinet Quintet? Most people seem to listen to ones by Brahms and Mozart most of the time, but this is quite fun and inspired too.

The Weber quintet probably still beats Reger for the 3rd most famous clarinet quintet. I think it is by far his best chamber piece and probably better than his clarinet concertos/concert pieces as well. While it is more concertante than Mozart and Brahms, it's not merely an ersatz concerto.
That flute trio might deserve to be better known but it's a comparably minor piece, I think. Sometimes coupled with Schubert's flute variations on "Trockne Blumen" (that is also worth checking out if one likes the flute).

Nevertheless, Weber whose best work was in opera, was still at least as good as the likes of Hummel in his best chamber, concertante and orchestral pieces.

[Symphonic Addict]

Great cover art too.

Agreed, rather clever.

[Symphonic Addict]

Nevertheless, Weber whose best work was in opera, was still at least as good as the likes of Hummel in his best chamber, concertante and orchestral pieces.

The only Weber opera I've listened to so far is Der Freischütz and I instantly loved it. I should explore the others.

[VonStupp]

Interesting. I don't remember this work well (in fact, I don't remember if I've ever listened to it).

BTW, do you know his Clarinet Quintet? Most people seem to listen to ones by Brahms and Mozart most of the time, but this is quite fun and inspired too.

It is probably a matter of the right music catching me at the right moment. What I really need to do is give those composers who straddle the Classical and Romantic Eras a better, or more regular, listening to.

I just listened to the New Helsinki Quartet in Weber's Quintet a few weeks past. I have also given it a few extra listens, and have enjoyed my time with it.

That flute trio might deserve to be better known but it's a comparably minor piece, I think. Sometimes coupled with Schubert's flute variations on "Trockne Blumen" (that is also worth checking out if one likes the flute).

Nevertheless, Weber whose best work was in opera, was still at least as good as the likes of Hummel in his best chamber, concertante and orchestral pieces.

Minor perhaps, but major for my synapses. Something about the flute and cello together make it really work for me.

I will check out those variations, though. Can't say I have a particular allegiance to flute, but I am not averse either.

The Gaudier Ensemble is excellent. And as a bonus, they have the clarinet quintet rightly praised above by Cesar.

I will give the Gaudier a looking into; perhaps a sneak peek on the YouTubes.

Thanks All!
VS

[foxandpeng]

Kilar: Symphony No. 3 'September'

The tragic events of 2001 inspired Kilar to write this work, and what an ominous way to start out it has, one is automatically hooked. Kilar's minimalism works incredibly well, creating a strong sense of tension and mesmerizing effects (hear the relentless 2nd movement). The music has a sorrowful atmosphere in the movements 1 and 3 I found very effective; the 4th movement sounds like a hymn, although it didn't end happily, but in calm resignation. A special moment is near the ending of the 3rd movement where the music turns from doleful to a little more hopeful and consoling.

I have liked most of his works and this poignant symphony ranks very high for me.




In addition, these three works didn't necessarily blow me away, but I did find them pretty impressive:

Robert Still: Symphonies 3 and 4
Jurgis Karnavičius: String Quartet No. 4

Agreed here on all counts. The Kilar 3, in particular, is outstanding 👌

[Florestan]

Both performance-wise and sonic-wise this series is excellent. I can't get enough of it.

[Toni Bernet]

I wonder if there are any other music lovers besides me who enjoy Andreas Romberg's violin concertos? The recording with the sensationally exciting violinist Chouchane Siranossian in particular could inspire many a friend of classical music with enthusiasm for this forgotten composer of North German classical music.
For more on Andreas Romberg's Violin Concerto in G minor, see also:
https://unbekannte-violinkonzerte.jimdofree.com/klassik/romberg/