What are you listening 2 now?

[Sergeant Rock]

I need to listen to the Gothic again.

You know what I think 

Sarge

[Linz]

Bruckner symphony No. 4 from this fine set

[Mirror Image]

NP:

Nielsen
Symphony No. 3 "Sinfonia Espansiva", Op. 27, FS 60
Royal Stockholm PO
Oramo

[Sergeant Rock]

Havergal Brian "Wine of Summer2" (Symphony No. 5)




Sarge

[Sergeant Rock]

NP:

Nielsen
Symphony No. 3 "Sinfonia Espansiva", Op. 27, FS 60
Royal Stockholm PO
Oramo

This performance has nearly toppled Lenny as my favorite Espansiva...nearly.

Sarge

[foxandpeng]

Alexander Glazunov
Symphony 1
Gennady Rozhdestsvensky
USSR Ministry of Culture SO
Olympia

[bhodges]

Live broadcast (audio only) from Carnegie Hall of the New York Philharmonic, conducted by Susanna Mälkki. Right now, during the Hailstork, the orchestra sounds terrific.

Adolphus Hailstork - An American Port of Call
John Adams - Saxophone Concerto (Branford Marsalis, saxophone)
Sibelius - Symphony No. 5 in E-flat major, Op. 82

https://www.wqxr.org/story/new-york-philharmonic-carnegie-hall/

--Bruce

[classicalgeek]

Inspired by the 'Favorite purchases and musical discoveries of 2021' thread...

Emil Tabakov
Symphony no. 5
Symphony Orchestra of Bulgarian National Radio
Emil Tabakov
(on Spotify)



Not an easy listen, that's for sure! But a really interesting piece - I hear the influence of Allan Petersson in the relentless darkness, while the musical material vaguely recalls Shostakovich or Weinberg, only more atonally inflected. There's a recurring motive that recalls the Dies Irae that contributes to the ominous atmosphere, and the two-note ostinato that dominates much of the finale is menacing indeed!

[André]

12 years after his Berlin Phil performance on Philips, here's Bychkov again this time with his own Cologne orchestra. There are differences in playing, recording and conducting if one pays attention. The sound is what strikes me first : more open, closer-miked (fantastic low winds), with a wider dynamic range. The tam tam strokes in mov IV are shattering. From top to bottom, this is a more impactful sonic experience.

The Cologne band sounds more gruff in the baleful moments of I - appropriately so, I thought. Wind solos too have a rustic feel to them, but make no mistake, this orchestra is a crackerjack ensemble and the sometimes unrefined sounds are part and parcel of Bychkov's conception: crushing weight vies with glacial solitude, episodes of manic motoric rythms are blasted mercifully in all their vulgarity. IOW in Cologne Bychkov goes for the jugular in a way he didn't quite dare attempt in Berlin. Both are superb in their own way (the BP's formidable weigth of sound is the Philips' version secret ingredient). Along with the Gergiev account they occupy the top of the rankings.

[André]

Inspired by the 'Favorite purchases and musical discoveries of 2021' thread...

Emil Tabakov
Symphony no. 5
Symphony Orchestra of Bulgarian National Radio
Emil Tabakov
(on Spotify)



Not an easy listen, that's for sure! But a really interesting piece - I hear the influence of Allan Petersson in the relentless darkness, while the musical material vaguely recalls Shostakovich or Weinberg, only more atonally inflected. There's a recurring motive that recalls the Dies Irae that contributes to the ominous atmosphere, and the two-note ostinato that dominates much of the finale is menacing indeed!

Very appropriate description !

[Mirror Image]

This performance has nearly toppled Lenny as my favorite Espansiva...nearly.

Sarge

Yeah, I remain incredibly enthusiastic about Oramo's Nielsen cycle. It's just as fine as other favorites like Blomstedt and Gilbert, IMHO. I didn't mention Bernstein as he didn't do a complete cycle unfortunately.

[Symphonic Addict]

This performance has nearly toppled Lenny as my favorite Espansiva...nearly.

Sarge

That's because you haven't heard the Chung from this set:



This is The Espansiva! Wow, sonically is amazing, and technically conducted is incredibly vigorous and noble. A formidable recording and performance for sure!

[Mirror Image]

NP:

Bernstein
Serenade (after Plato's Symposium)
Zino Francescatti, violin
New York Philharmonic
Bernstein

From this set -



For me, this is still the definitive performance of this work and I've heard (and own) maybe around nine of them.

[Symphonic Addict]

Inspired by the 'Favorite purchases and musical discoveries of 2021' thread...

Emil Tabakov
Symphony no. 5
Symphony Orchestra of Bulgarian National Radio
Emil Tabakov
(on Spotify)



Not an easy listen, that's for sure! But a really interesting piece - I hear the influence of Allan Petersson in the relentless darkness, while the musical material vaguely recalls Shostakovich or Weinberg, only more atonally inflected. There's a recurring motive that recalls the Dies Irae that contributes to the ominous atmosphere, and the two-note ostinato that dominates much of the finale is menacing indeed!

Yes, sounds more enticing! I heard the 1st movement last night. There is a sort of hysterical and maniatic propulsion, with a relentless and implacable rhythm. Arresting to say the least!

[Symphonic Addict]

Damase: 'Symphonie' (1952)
Returning to work tomorrow, so needed to hear something inspiriting and uplifting:

Hopefully this work can cheer you up too!

Walton: Coronation Te Deum

Choral Walton is first rate, and this quasi miniature masterpiece demonstrates that! A life-enhancing and solemn work full of spirit.

[Symphonic Addict]

I like some Bax symphonies more than others (nos. 1 and 4 are particular favorites, while I've yet to warm up to no. 7), though I'm not as familiar with the symphonic poems (outside of Tintagel, which I really enjoy) or the chamber music. I'm working my way through the Martinů symphonies, and I started with no. 1, which I quite enjoyed; I should listen again soon. It's been years since I listened to Roussel's First though I remember liking it (perhaps it's time to crack open the Deneve Roussel symphony set, which I bought some months ago!)

With me, the verdict is still out on Brian - I haven't listened to most of his symphonies, but I'm quite impressed by the scope of the Gothic, even if I'm still warming up to the music.

Alfvén
Symphony no. 4
Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra
Stig Westerberg
(on Spotify)



I think I slightly prefer Westerberg's recording to Järvi's from the complete symphony set. If nothing else, the sumptuous orchestration comes into greater focus. Once again, I could have done without the wordless solo vocal parts - I just don't see what they add to the piece. And maybe the work could have benefitted from more clearly delinated sections or movements. That said, once again I really enjoyed the work, and this performance in particular.

There is so much fun awaiting for you then!

Bax has a unique voice, I find his "legendary", melodic and harmonic language quite fascinating, warlike, mystical, evoking nature.

Regarding Martinu and Roussel is the same, so stupendous composers who hardly ever disappoint.

And thanks for sharing this recording. I didn't know it was on Spotify. I need to grab it. This work is a firm favorite of mine!

[Symphonic Addict]

NP:

Szymanowski
Harnasie, Op. 55
Andrzej Bachleda, tenor
Krákow Radio Symphony Orchestra & Chorus
Wit



I actually prefer Wit's earlier Szymanowski recordings to what he later did on Naxos. There's a more visceral quality in the conducting and the slightly edgy sonics give the music a bit more bite.

Harnasie is good stuff, John! And I've also heard the Chandos one with Gardner. It feels like a fresh yet committed performance.

[Symphonic Addict]

Rachmaninov: The Isle of the Dead [Ashkenazy]





Incredibly this is the first time that I have heard this work!

Obviously, this was always going to be dark, foreboding and atmospheric music and so it turns out to be here. It is a wonderfully atmospheric presentation. The scoring is obviously directed towards enhancing the tone and atmosphere of the theme and this is well portrayed here. One gets the distinct impression of flitting spirits throughout the work. The tone is wonderfully snarling and menacing at times with great bite in the scoring and the performance of it coupled with powerful drama and tension. This is a very powerful and gripping presentation of this work.

A remarkable work, and stunningly orchestrated as well! Rachmaninov sometimes doesn't get the credit he's due as an orchestrator. You describe it perfectly - glad you finally heard it!

Better late than never, aligreto! Along with Tapiola, for me, they are the most haunting, poetic and evocative tone poems ever written by anyone. Sheer atmosphere.

Rachmaninov was a singular master of an orchestrator indeed. The Symphonic Dances, The Bells and Paganini Variations, are pinnacles of orchestration IMO.

[Mirror Image]

Harnasie is good stuff, John! And I've also heard the Chandos one with Gardner. It feels like a fresh yet committed performance.

I've heard several Harnasie performances at this juncture, but I'd say the best one I've heard is still Rattle/CBSO on EMI. This one on EMI with Wit is excellent, though and I also liked the Kazimierz Kord on CD Accord.

NP:

Poulenc
Napoli
Jacques Février, piano

From this set -

[JBS]

From the Warner Saint Saens box


Urbs Roma and Organ Symphonies

I've finally (after 4 or 5 decades) found a performance of the Organ Symphony that sounds light and Gallic, and not the overblown mess it usually seems to be.

(Although I still think his other four symphonies are better)