What are you listening 2 now?

[Symphonic Addict]

Apart from Braga Santos, Freitas Branco (Luís de) and Vianna da Motta, Fernando Lopes-Graça is another composer who stands as his own man. Just I've heard his Piano Concerto No. 1 and I must say it was impressive. There is that seriousness that may point out Hindemith, and it mixes with the rustic and folk expression of Portugal. Very Lusitanian-sounding indeed.

[Brass Hole]

Fun!:

[Symphonic Addict]

Good afternoon all,

This one finally landed this morning, wallowing fully in the septet.

An excellent set that.

[Symphonic Addict]

POOT: Symphonies Nos. 3, 5 and 7

Hamerik Symphonie Nr. 5+6


Even though not masterpieces, enjoyable works!

IMV, the Hamerik, yes. The Poot, much less so.

[Symphonic Addict]

Early quasi-masterpieces (or masterpieces).

[Symphonic Addict]

Fartein Valen: Symphony No.4
This is most impressive. A darkly atmospheric work of considerable integrity. It is growing on me and I prefer it to the longer 1st Symphony. In its bleak atmosphere it reminds me a bit of the music of Hendrik Nordgren. I think that this photo of the composer conveys something of the mood of the symphony:

I tried the 1st movement of that work the other day. I couldn't make for the rest, sorry. The music is just depressing to my ears and mind. I'll pass.

[Mirror Image]

Enescu: Romanian Rhapsody No. 1 (Cristian Măcelaru / WDR Sinfonieorchester, live from Cologne on 12/10/2019) - A joy, between the musicians (obviously having fun), the light hand of Măcelaru (who is also smiling a lot), and the piece itself.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuU5sbXYAJ0

--Bruce

Not one of favorites from Enescu, but, yes, I'd imagine this work would be quite fun to perform. I equate this work in the same category as Sibelius' Finlandia, Smetana's Má vlast, Bartók's Hungarian Sketches, etc. That kind of nationalistic fervor in the music --- not that there is anything wrong with this of course.

[Brass Hole]

Early quasi-masterpieces (or masterpieces).

He modeled all three on Weber and early Beethoven and the third is his gateway to being a composer in his own right. Precocious.

[Madiel]

His No.7 actually tends to cheer me up ...

I'm not saying all Shostakovich is miserable. But SQ no.15 is just so grey... perhaps I'll try another performance at some point.

[MusicTurner]

It's probably in the work. The Rubio Quartet is generally warmer/more lyrical in their approach, but I don't remember how they play the 15th.
I also like the Fitzwilliam4 though.

[Mirror Image]

Schoenberg from Beantown!



For those that are interested, Hurwitz picked Ozawa's as his favorite recording of Gurrelieder:

https://www.youtube.com/v/GiGUkr51QdE

I can't stand Hurwitz, but it's hard to argue with this choice, but I vehemently disagree with his opinion of the Boulez recording on Columbia. I also disagree with his assessment of Chailly's account on Decca, which many consider their favorite Gurrelieder. I'm not sure if it's my absolute favorite, but I certainly do admire it just as much as I admire this Ozawa performance, which has a stellar cast of vocalists: Jessye Norman, Tatiana Troyanos, James McCracken, amongst others.

[Brass Hole]

[Symphonic Addict]

The String Quartet No. 4 sounds to me like a synthesis of both late Nielsen and Sibelius. This is a very engaging chamber piece.

[André]

IMV, the Hamerik, yes. The Poot, much less so.

Allow me to dissent: it's the other way around  !

[André]

[Traverso]

Scarlatti

CD 24


Sonatas KK 372-391

[Mirror Image]

Nice! Both are great discs.

[Traverso]

An excellent set that.

I love the  sonata for clarinet and piano   

[Mirror Image]

IMV, the Hamerik, yes. The Poot, much less so.

Watch your mouth, young man! We will not have you talk like that at the dinner table.

[Symphonic Addict]

Allow me to dissent: it's the other way around  !

Fair enough.