Pieces that have blown you away recently

[Symphonic Addict]

The Timpani label left us many gems that otherwise probably wouldn't see the light of day like this succulent disc of chamber works by Jean Cartan (1906-32). Born to a family of scientists, Jean decided to follow a musical career, having as mentors famous names like Widor and Roussel, mostly the latter influenced his style, but also Ravel, Debussy and Stravinsky whom he considered spiritual fathers. Cartan died prematurely of tuberculosis at the young age of 26.

Judging by the potential of these four works (two string quartets, Introduction et Allegro for piano and wind quintet and Sonatine for flute and clarinet), Cartan really had something substantial to contribute to the world of music. The string quartets are some of the most decidedly sparkling pieces in the form I've stumbled upon recently, combining some sharp and mildly astringent gestures with others playful to the bone. If they don't put a grin on your face, go to the doctor to check your health! Likewise, the Introduction et Allegro displays a good dose of charming personality. Quite an entertaining piece I must say, so is the Sonatine with its echoes of Poulenc, mostly in the lively Rondeau. All in all, a wholly delightful and pleasing product, including the eye-catching cover art.




Another work worth mentioning here is the recording of Hartmann's Symphony No. 6 via the Kubelik/Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks interpretation on Wergo. Not a first listen, but the last time I played it the impact on this listener was superlative. It simply is one of the most staggering symphonies of the 20th century bar none, and that coruscating performance did absolute justice to the gripping atmosphere of the 1st movement and the relentless power of the 2nd movement. That's a recording for the ages without a doubt.

[Roasted Swan]

Two things impressed me in opposite ways:

1) Obviously, the peerless playing of the violinist. If there's a perfect performance ever of anything, it must be this one. Ridiculously spectacular.

2) The indifference of some on the audience. I mean, come on! Somebody exhibits a jaw-dropping technique and they just react like if the performance wasn't convincing at all, no applauses, no smiles, nothing whatsoever? It baffles me big time. I can imagine how miserable their lives had to be. Granted, Paganini's music often feels empty and uninteresting, but that's not a fair reason not to be impacted by the fine art of that performer.

To your 2nd point - its the kind of (non) reaction from that audience that gives Classical Music a bad name - a kind of uptight/show no emotion vacuum.  If this isn't going to get you screaming approval what is!?!?  Reading a bit more about Hirschhorn apart from the tragedy of his early death from a brain tumour, he was apparently also afflicted by performance nerves.  If I played like that and got a cool reception perhaps I'd question my playing too!

[Iota]

Not so much a piece as the actual playing.  This is film of the violinist Philippe Hirschhorn playing the Sauret cadenza to the Paganini 1st concerto.  Just astonishing poise and technical control.  As a professional player I don't know how you can even come close to playing this!  Prepare to have your mind blown.

Yes, astonishing!

[Cato]

Another work worth mentioning here is the recording of Hartmann's Symphony No. 6 via the Kubelik/Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks interpretation on Wergo.

 Not a first listen, but the last time I played it the impact on this listener was superlative.

It simply is one of the most staggering symphonies of the 20th century bar none, and that coruscating performance did absolute justice to the gripping atmosphere of the 1st movement and the relentless power of the 2nd movement. That's a recording for the ages without a doubt.

I cannot agree more!  I heard it decades ago and thought I had discovered a sonic platinum mine!  There is a case to be made for Hartmann for being the greatest symphonist of the 20th century.

[André]

Not so much a piece as the actual playing.  This is film of the violinist Philippe Hirschhorn playing the Sauret cadenza to the Paganini 1st concerto.  Just astonishing poise and technical control.  As a professional player I don't know how you can even come close to playing this!  Prepare to have your mind blown.

I have a recording of Hirschhorn playing the Lekeu sonata. I should revisit that ...

[Symphonic Addict]

I cannot agree more!  I heard it decades ago and thought I had discovered a sonic platinum mine!  There is a case to be made for Hartmann for being the greatest symphonist of the 20th century.

Hartmann's output is filled with striking works in each form and that symphony might be his best one. Besides Hindemith, he was the greatest German symphonist of the 20th century in my view.

[Symphonic Addict]

Hartmann's output is filled with striking works in each form and that symphony might be his best one. Besides Hindemith, he was the greatest German symphonist of the 20th century in my view.

I should have had another German for the Ha-He-Hi trifecta: Henze.

[Cato]

I should have had another German for the Ha-He-Hi trifecta: Henze.

There is a book with intertwined triple biographies called Hindemith, Hartmann, and Henze by a certain Guy Rickards: highly recommended! 


https://www.amazon.com/Hartmann-Hindemith-Henze-Century-Composers/dp/0714831743

[Symphonic Addict]

There is a book with intertwined triple biographies called Hindemith, Hartmann, and Henze by a certain Guy Rickards: highly recommended! 


https://www.amazon.com/Hartmann-Hindemith-Henze-Century-Composers/dp/0714831743

Good to know someone knowledgeable had the idea to write about those Ha-He-Hi composers in mind.

[pjme]

Phaidon published a whole series on 20t century composers

https://www.librarything.com/nseries/269038/Phaidon-20th-Century-Composers




I only have this one - 30 years old, already...
Polish music has flowered in the twentieth century. Yet the four Poles whose story is told here -- Andrzej Panufnik (1914-91), Witold Lutoslawski (1913-94), Ktzystof Penderecki (b.1933), and Henryk Górecki (b.1933) -- are noted for their development of radically differing creative approaches, in spite of a common national background.

I like the pathos of Panufniks third symphony