Pieces that have blown you away recently

[Symphonic Addict]

Other works I want to mention are the symphonies by Leonardo Balada. Although not first listens, they impressed me a lot as well.

[Symphonic Addict]

I remember when the CPO disc below was released, but only until now I came to give it a listen. I waited too long for finding out, this seriously is stupendous stuff! Exotic music at its best I must say. The use of Indian scales/harmonies gives the music a mystic and colourful effect that just bewitches and doesn't let you go, the atmospheres are so suggestive, the orchestration spellbinding... what's not to love? The four works are amazing, from the sparkling Piano Concerto No. 3 to the glittering magic of the Six Indian Miniatures. The Chandos disc simply intensifies that impression. I was taken by the two string quartets and the Septet the most. There's remarkable material and sheer beauty in those pieces, above all the string quartets, which sometimes get moving. More of this composer, please!




The other day I was acquainted with Bossi's two piano trios finding them good and enchanting, but his two violin sonatas possess more brilliance and inspiration. The 2nd Sonata in C major could be the best work of the two, the writing feels so lyrical and quirky by turns, and not without its moments of apparent depth. A delightful, impressive piece. However, the 1st Sonata in E minor offers a display of ardent zeal. What an exciting work! Even in the endearing 2nd movement, passages of considerable intensity ensue to highlight the overall dramatic character of the work. That said, I'm not claiming that they're masterpieces, but the level of craftsmanship and purpose they have do manage to delight galore, and the performances and recording are stunning, despite I've been a bit reticent towards this record label.

[Symphonic Addict]

Papandopulo: Piano Sonatina

Merciless display of beauty offers this gem, imbued with exotic scales to stunning effect. I loved this thoroughly endearing work. One never stops discovering fascinating music.

BTW, the weird cover art didn't go unnoticed at all!

[Symphonic Addict]

The two piano sonatas and Sonatine romantique by Alexander Tcherepnin on Grand Piano label. Three rather short pieces that pack a lot of stunning ideas and imaginative writing all the way through.

[Christo]

More or less the moment I really got "into" Ruth Gipps' music: her characteristic, sweet-and-sour little tone poem Ambarvalia, especially in this performance. Who can resist such beautiful, heartfelt music? I am enchanted every time I hear it. 

[Symphonic Addict]

Brun: String Quartet No. 3 in F major (Amar Quartet)

Yesterday I was very pleased by his early first string quartet in E-flat major. Today it's the turn for the 3rd quartet. The first movement begins very calmly and peacefully, but soon gestures appear that denote sparkle and bold harmony. It's so stupendous, laden with brilliant conflict. The second movement continues with that same wit and piquancy, reminding me of the gestures I heard in his symphonies, but here they have more grace methinks. It sounds quite complex and exudes personality. The third movement is grave, severe, and somewhat passionate too; as it passes through 10:40, it becomes more contemplative and fragile. The fourth movement is very focused, intense, and somewhat witty. I felt a fabulous display of brilliance in this movement and in the entire quartet in general; each movement was strong and well-directed. I thought it was masterful and one of the best works I've heard by him bar none. The coupling on the disc is the also impressive String Quartet in C major by his compatriot Schoeck, but I didn't give it a listen.

A pity that the string quartets 2 and 4 haven't seen the light of day yet. I'd love to hear them.




Pärt: Como cierva sedienta, for female choir and orchestra (Kaljuste, Swedish Radio Choir, Swedish Radio S.O.)

A pretty different work from what I know of his style. The "holy minimalism" often employed in his other pieces is rather absent here. Mind you, the music contains passages of transcendent and majestic quality I can't get enough of, just like others of certain malice and ferocity that complement the overall compelling canvas. The harp, tubular bells and timpani were used particularly effective in some parts, not to mention the special aura the female choir provides. A riveting creation this, one of my favorite pieces by Pärt from now on.

[Der lächelnde Schatten]

Pärt: Como cierva sedienta, for female choir and orchestra (Kaljuste, Swedish Radio Choir, Swedish Radio S.O.)

A pretty different work from what I know of his style. The "holy minimalism" often employed in his other pieces is rather absent here. Mind you, the music contains passages of transcendent and majestic quality I can't get enough of, just like others of certain malice and ferocity that complement the overall compelling canvas. The harp, tubular bells and timpani were used particularly effective in some parts, not to mention the special aura the female choir provides. A riveting creation this, one of my favorite pieces by Pärt from now on.

A work from Pärt that I've loved for years and, as far as I know, this is the only recording of it. Thank goodness the performance is excellent. It's a shame not many listeners seem to know this piece.

[Der lächelnde Schatten]

Speaking of works that don't get talked about too often and that I'm consistently blown away by...

Adams' The Wound-Dresser --- in particular, these two recordings featuring the baritone it was written for, Sanford Sylvan:



I can't remember the first-time I heard this piece, but it must've been the John Adams' led performance (the first recording pictured coupled with Fearful Symmetry). My thoughts then weren't much as I didn't really connect with it. But it was during my hiatus from work during the 2020 COVID lockdowns that I began listening to a lot of different music and much of it was music that I never really given a chance to or completely ignored altogether. The Wound-Dresser was one such work that took me by surprise. I was pulled into its dark web and it kept me planted for the entire 19 minute duration. What attracted me so much to the piece (besides my love for Walt Whitman's poetry) was how Adams wrote so effectively for the baritone voice and how he matched the text with music that is so brooding, nightmarish (at times), but with a little light that peaks through from time to time. The orchestration is mesmerizing and with the two recordings I pictured above, the music is expertly and passionately performed. The Wound-Dresser should've won a Pulitzer Prize.

[Symphonic Addict]

A work from Pärt that I've loved for years and, as far as I know, this is the only recording of it. Thank goodness the performance is excellent. It's a shame not many listeners seem to know this piece.

I couldn't find any other recording of that work, but as you say, the available one does justice to the piece.

[Christo]

Pärt: Como cierva sedienta, for female choir and orchestra (Kaljuste, Swedish Radio Choir, Swedish Radio S.O.)
A pretty different work from what I know of his style. The "holy minimalism" often employed in his other pieces is rather absent here. Mind you, the music contains passages of transcendent and majestic quality I can't get enough of, just like others of certain malice and ferocity that complement the overall compelling canvas. The harp, tubular bells and timpani were used particularly effective in some parts, not to mention the special aura the female choir provides. A riveting creation this, one of my favorite pieces by Pärt from now on.

Exactly my thoughts when I heard the Dutch premiere live, over 20 years ago. Haven't heard it in concert again since then. 

[Mapman]

I haven't been posting much here recently, partly because I haven't been listening to as much music, and partly because I haven't had much to say about what I've listened to. I haven't had a shortage of music though, as I've been playing clarinet much more than I have for several years. I recently moved, and joined a community band.

Today, however, I listened to a piece of music that I thought was worth posting about: Mozart's Quintet for piano and winds, K. 452. I don't think I'd heard this before today. It's a very charming work. Most of my favorite music by Mozart is his music featuring wind instruments; this is about as good as any of it! I thought this was an excellent performance. I was especially impressed with how similar the horn and bassoon sounded in certain spots.

[Spotted Horses]

I haven't been posting much here recently, partly because I haven't been listening to as much music, and partly because I haven't had much to say about what I've listened to. I haven't had a shortage of music though, as I've been playing clarinet much more than I have for several years. I recently moved, and joined a community band.

Today, however, I listened to a piece of music that I thought was worth posting about: Mozart's Quintet for piano and winds, K. 452. I don't think I'd heard this before today. It's a very charming work. Most of my favorite music by Mozart is his music featuring wind instruments; this is about as good as any of it! I thought this was an excellent performance. I was especially impressed with how similar the horn and bassoon sounded in certain spots.

Lovely piece. I don't know that recording, usually I listen to a recording by the Berlin Philharmonic Winds with Stephen Hough (BIS). An interesting contrast would be a performance on period instruments. The only one I know of is the Academy of Ancient Music Chamber Ensemble with Levin playing fortepiano (Decca).

[Symphonic Addict]

Exactly my thoughts when I heard the Dutch premiere live, over 20 years ago. Haven't heard it in concert again since then. 

it should have been a stunning concert. I have yet to hear a Pärt's work live.

[Brian]

I've been playing clarinet much more than I have for several years. I recently moved, and joined a community band.

Congratulations by the way! Hope all these changes are to the good (even if you have to watch the Detroit Symphony by streaming).

[Christo]

it should have been a stunning concert. I have yet to hear a Pärt's work live.

Really? Without even trying, I have heard his larger work Passio three times live and Kanon Pokajanen twice, all fine performances. But the Te Deum, my favourite, never. I hear his smaller works somewhere every year, too many to recall. The Dutch premiere of Como cierva sedienta was coupled with his Fourth Symphony which I found rather disappointing -- but honesty compells me to confess that I never heard it since.

[DavidW]

I think that K 452 is Mozart's finest chamber work.

[Symphonic Addict]

Really? Without even trying, I have heard his larger work Passio three times live and Kanon Pokajanen twice, all fine performances. But the Te Deum, my favourite, never. I hear his smaller works somewhere every year, too many to recall. The Dutch premiere of Como cierva sedienta was coupled with his Fourth Symphony which I found rather disappointing -- but honesty compells me to confess that I never heard it since.

Now I'm even more envious. 

I don't rank his 4th Symphony high either. His 3rd remains his finest achievement in the form.

[Symphonic Addict]

I think that K 452 is Mozart's finest chamber work.

After the Divertimento for string trio. 

Oddly enough (and I don't want to sound harsh, it's great that others can enjoy his music so much), but the last time I heard that quintet I wasn't particularly impressed (perhaps it had to do with the recording?).

Recently I heard the Gran Partita live and my reaction was rather mild too despite it received a very committed performance. Whenever I listen to any Mozart work live in concert, I fail to get excited or enthusiastic about it.