What are you listening 2 now?

[Karl Henning]

The late sonatas from this wonderful set. Among recent releases, it's my favorite--tremendous playing and very good sound.

Cool.

[Mirror Image]

Another listen to Vaughan Williams 6, this time with a full score:

Vaughan Williams
Symphony no. 6
New Philharmonia Orchestra
Sir Adrian Boult



I've heard this symphony a few times now - and this is the first time it really 'clicked' for me. I think I 'get' this symphony now - it really is on a level with his Fourth, turbulent, unsettling, almost violent in spots. After the unrest and turmoil in the first three movements, the impact of the Epilogue (which doesn't rise above pianissimo dynamically) is profound indeed. I stand by my comparison with the ending of Shostakovich's Fourth and Eighth Symphonies. I look forward to listening again with renewed appreciation! Listening with the full score definitely made a huge difference.

I may join you in this symphony. I haven't heard it in quite some time.

NP: The 6th

[Karl Henning]

Another listen to Vaughan Williams 6, this time with a full score:

Vaughan Williams
Symphony no. 6
New Philharmonia Orchestra
Sir Adrian Boult



I've heard this symphony a few times now - and this is the first time it really 'clicked' for me. I think I 'get' this symphony now - it really is on a level with his Fourth, turbulent, unsettling, almost violent in spots. After the unrest and turmoil in the first three movements, the impact of the Epilogue (which doesn't rise above pianissimo dynamically) is profound indeed. I stand by my comparison with the ending of Shostakovich's Fourth and Eighth Symphonies. I look forward to listening again with renewed appreciation! Listening with the full score definitely made a huge difference.

The Sixth is a beauty. It's also the only RVW symphony I've managed to hear live, when Paavo Berglund guest conducted the BSO.

[Mirror Image]

The Sixth is a beauty. It's also the only RVW symphony I've managed to hear live, when Paavo Berglund guest conducted the BSO.

Berglund's 6th is outstanding, but I imagine seeing him with the BSO was even more amazing. Here's his RVW under one roof:



A stellar 4th and 6th from Berglund. I'm less taken with Gibson's 5th. This 2-CD set also features Silvestri's classic Tallis Fantasia.

[Symphonic Addict]

Verdi: Simon Boccanegra, act III

A really maiden listen. Definitely the music appeals to me enormously. Verdi was a genuine genius who managed to connect many respects: melody, drama, theatrical nature, join text and music. It's impressive. However, if you ask me, I could do it without the vocals (and possibly the choral forces, albeit I love and enjoy these more).

[Symphonic Addict]

Squeezingly gorgeous! I've had Grieg too underrated all this time. His dexterity to use folk tunes is nothing but brilliant and generously melodic.

Full committed performances. Riveting to say the least.

[vandermolen]

Another listen to Vaughan Williams 6, this time with a full score:

Vaughan Williams
Symphony no. 6
New Philharmonia Orchestra
Sir Adrian Boult



I've heard this symphony a few times now - and this is the first time it really 'clicked' for me. I think I 'get' this symphony now - it really is on a level with his Fourth, turbulent, unsettling, almost violent in spots. After the unrest and turmoil in the first three movements, the impact of the Epilogue (which doesn't rise above pianissimo dynamically) is profound indeed. I stand by my comparison with the ending of Shostakovich's Fourth and Eighth Symphonies. I look forward to listening again with renewed appreciation! Listening with the full score definitely made a huge difference.

I agree with the view that it combines the violence of No.4 with some of the 'spiritual' qualities of No.5 to create a most disturbing synthesis. No.6 is one of my favourite symphonies.

[vandermolen]

Symphonies 5 and 6. Although influences abound, this is highly original in conceiving and voicing a distinct musical idiom - part classical, part pop, crossover, cinematic. Its free use of ostinatos is quite hypnotic and yet it does not become a tic. Kalnins is a real composer.



I could use the second part of the above sentence to describe Pettersson's concerto for violin and string quartet, but I can't say I detect influences. This in itself is challenging, as I have to grapple with an idiom I have little connection with. It is harshly dissonant at times, but I sense a huge will to convey a message. Repeated exposure will probably bring things in better focus.

V much agree with your Kalnins comment André although you explain his appeal better than I could.

[vandermolen]

Berglund's 6th is outstanding, but I imagine seeing him with the BSO was even more amazing. Here's his RVW under one roof:



A stellar 4th and 6th from Berglund. I'm less taken with Gibson's 5th. This 2-CD set also features Silvestri's classic Tallis Fantasia.

I love that set (and am more of a fan of Gibson's No.5 than you are) notwithstanding the stupid wasp photo!

[Que]

[Mandryka]

Do you remember why you had a problem with this one? I'm listening to the first mass, the one contentiously attributed to Fry, this a.m.



(Particularly enjoying the first Busnoys motet.)

[Florestan]

Beethoven

The arrangements of folk songs by Haydn and Beethoven receive little attention, yet there are real gems among all the many arrangements. It was a welcome addition from a financial point of view, but clear attention was paid to the arrangements intended for amateur musicians although some may be too difficult.
I find it a pleasure to listen to the arrangements of both Haydn and Beethoven, both superbly performed by the ensembles and singers.

Starting now with the arrangements Beethoven made

CD 1

Pounds the table! Delightful music in both cases

[Papy Oli]

Good morning all,

Finishing this Pinnock set of Bach Harpsichord concertos (BWV 1062-1065).

Superb.

[Florestan]

Verdi: Simon Boccanegra, act III

A really maiden listen. Definitely the music appeals to me enormously. Verdi was a genuine genius who managed to connect many respects: melody, drama, theatrical nature, join text and music. It's impressive. However, if you ask me, I could do it without the vocals (and possibly the choral forces, albeit I love and enjoy these more).

I have to say, Cesar, that this is one of the strangest, most incomprehensible statements I've ever read on GMG. Care to elaborate it, please?

[foxandpeng]

Per Nørgård
Sinfonia Austera
Symphony #2
Leif Segerstam
Danish NRSO
Chandos

Fine symphonies to start Friday morning. I particularly like #1

[The new erato]

The Gloriana dances and Cello Symphony from this:

[The new erato]

And the Schønberg 1 from this:



Now it's time for my daily walk.

[Traverso]

Prokofiev

The Love for Three Oranges Suite

Khachaturian
Gayaneh  Suite No.1

Shostakovich
Symphony No.5

Wiener Philharmoniker

[Papy Oli]

Jiranek - Concertos

[vandermolen]

Per Nørgård
Sinfonia Austera
Symphony #2
Leif Segerstam
Danish NRSO
Chandos

Fine symphonies to start Friday morning. I particularly like #1

Of those I've heard the 'Austera' is by far my favourite Danny. You might also enjoy Blomdahl's 1st Symphony, which is rather in the same spirit and shows the influence of his teacher Hilding Rosenberg (whose 2nd and 3rd symphonies are two of my favourites).