What are you listening 2 now?

[Symphonic Addict]

You must hear the equally Baxian 'Nadir' if you don't know it Cesar and Hadley's 'The Trees so High' which is IMO a masterpiece and deeply moving.

The Trees so High is a moving work as you say, Jeffrey, somewhat reminiscent of VW IIRC. As for Nadir I'm not sure if I've ever listened to but I'll keep it in mind.

[Symphonic Addict]

Schmitt's hour long B minor piano quintet is one beast of a work. Hothouse romanticism with big, effusive gestures, cast in huge forms - the first and last movement are over 20 minutes. And yet it doesn't sound long. Impressive.

Yes! I love it. A quintet of symphonic proportions.

[Symphonic Addict]

Two first symphonies by Magnard and Villa-Lobos



The Magnard, despite it has a rather cohesive development, fails to be memorable. The 2nd movement begins like imitating an organ, and it is so peaceful. The highlight of the work IMO.

As for the VL, wow, I didn't expect such amazing music, very late-Romantic in idiom, showing his talent as a masterly orchestrator.

[San Antone]

[SimonNZ]

[GioCar]

Holy Saturday

[T. D.]

 

[Madiel]

Nielsen, Hymnus Amoris.

I believe there are only 3 remotely 'modern' recordings, so going to try them all. Ulf Schirmer is certainly doing an excellent job first up.

[Christo]

[Irons]

Schmitt's hour long B minor piano quintet is one beast of a work. Hothouse romanticism with big, effusive gestures, cast in huge forms - the first and last movement are over 20 minutes. And yet it doesn't sound long. Impressive.

Your description is spot on but the work and recording is too relentless for me.

[Irons]

Richard Strauss: An Alpine Symphony.



Most impressed by this.

[Florestan]

First listen to this opera:



Act I.

A delightful work, full of melodic charm and a magical atmosphere. Splendid!

[Que]

Morning listening:



Q

[Tsaraslondon]

Disc 1

Concerto no 2 in D major
Concerto no 1 in B flat major
Concerto no 5 in A major

Anne-Sophie Mutter
London Philharmonic Orchestra

Opinions on Mutter are sharply divided and, reading some of the reviews of this set, are also divided regarding these Mozart performances. Whilst all agree that she has an incredible technique, some find her, shall we say, inteventionist approach mannered, whilst others love the extra panache that comes with it. You can put me in the latter camp.

[vandermolen]

The Trees so High is a moving work as you say, Jeffrey, somewhat reminiscent of VW IIRC. As for Nadir I'm not sure if I've ever listened to but I'll keep it in mind.

It's only short Cesar about 14 minutes.

Here it is:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=jirM8hWkkdA

[vandermolen]

Two first symphonies by Magnard and Villa-Lobos



The Magnard, despite it has a rather cohesive development, fails to be memorable. The 2nd movement begins like imitating an organ, and it is so peaceful. The highlight of the work IMO.

As for the VL, wow, I didn't expect such amazing music, very late-Romantic in idiom, showing his talent as a masterly orchestrator.

It's the third and fourth symphonies by both composers which impress me the most.

[Florestan]

Disc 1

Concerto no 2 in D major
Concerto no 1 in B flat major
Concerto no 5 in A major

Anne-Sophie Mutter
London Philharmonic Orchestra

Opinions on Mutter are sharply divided and, reading some of the reviews of this set, are also divided regarding these Mozart performances. Whilst all agree that she has an incredible technique, some find her, shall we say, inteventionist approach mannered, whilst others love the extra panache that comes with it. You can put me in the latter camp.

+ 1.

I have to say, though, that she approaches the Mozart concertos in a rather poised manner. For something truly interventionist and truly extraordinary you should try the Mozart violin sonatas. Really something else: grand, operatic, romantic(ized). My favorite set. 

[Mandryka]

Finnissy's setting of the Beuk o'Newcassel Sangs. Which inevitably makes me think of Joyce's Pomes Pennyeach.

[Tsaraslondon]

+ 1.

I have to say, though, that she approaches the Mozart concertos in a rather poised manner. For something truly interventionist and truly extraordinary you should try the Mozart violin sonatas. Really something else: grand, operatic, romantic(ized). My favorite set. 

It's on my shopping list. I know she polarises opinion, but I really like her and heard live several times when I worked as a receptionist for the LSO. She is one of the few instrumentalists I can recognise blind.

[Tsaraslondon]

Disc 10

Bizet: Carmen Suite
Bizet: L'Arlésienne - Suites 1 & 2
Chabrier: España
Chabrier: Marche joyeuse
Gounod: Faust - Ballet music

In these Philharmonia versions, the Carmen has an elegance and sparkle, which is sadly lacking from his Berlin recording of the complete opera with Baltsa and Carreras, however beautifully played it is. The other pieces here are also very good. Still, I'm not entirely convinced Karajan was the right conductor for this music, just missing the delicious lightness of touch of, say, Beecham.