What are you listening 2 now?

[JBS]

How is't?

It's as good as any other recording I've heard.

[André]

Vaughan Williams: Symphony No.6 BBC SO, Boult (live, Proms concert 1972)
Fabulous! (and I'm listening on a small portable CD player as my usual one is being repaired). IMO this in incomparably better than any recent recording (Manze, Elder, Wilson for example). Boult gave the first performance of the 6th Symphony and I find that his readings have a unique authority about them. This is, in a way, quite different to his three studio recordings on EMI (x2 and Decca). The big tune, at the end of the first movement, is neither given the full romantic treatment (Barbirolli and many others) nor does it have the objectivity of the Decca recording (my favourite), instead it sounds a bit like a stately Tudor dance - but I really enjoyed it. The relentless second movement is faster and not as implacable as the Decca performance and the finale is a bit faster than on Decca (made with VW in the studio). I look forward to hearing it on my usual CD player!

On the strength of your recommendation I have bought it a couple of weeks ago. Should arrive any time now.   

[Mirror Image]

One piece I've always loved is the Double Concerto for Harpsichord and Piano with Two Chamber Orchestras.

I recall enjoying this work as well. I think my favorite Carter work is the Piano Sonata.

[André]

Henri Lazarof
*Tableaux for piano and orchestra
%Violin concerto
Symphony no. 2
*Garrick Ohlsson, piano
%Yukiko Kamei, violin
Seattle Symphony Orchestra
Gerard Schwarz
(on Spotify)



Still deciding what I think - the symphony in particular had its share of moments, as did the Violin Concerto. The Tableaux wasn't as appealing to me, but I think the disc as a whole is worthy of another listen.

Love that disc - and other ones with Lazarov's music (originally on Delos).

[Mirror Image]

Certainly, a wonderful indispensable disc for any serious listener of this composer. Penderecki's writing for cello is nothing but masterful.

Indeed, Cesar. As I mentioned, the Wit series is superb. For the Cello Concertos, I really like this disc:



I'm not sure if it's available for streaming, but I bought it several years ago and it was a pretty expensive disc at the time.

[DavidW]

Yep, that's a very apt description and I share your sentiments regarding Carter's mature music. So many seem to regard him as one the greatest composers of the late 20th/early 21st centuries, but I find little that is comprehensible or appealing about his music. My loss, clearly. I do like some of his earlier works, though, like his Cello Sonata.

I recently had a fresh listen to his clarinet concerto, which seemed fairly easy to follow.  But perhaps that is because I've been listening to his music off and on for quite awhile.  Other than that I recommend his string quartets and solo piano music.

[André]

Stuff I hadn't listened to in ages. The Holmboe's vocal parts (tenor, baritone, chorus) are resolutely avant-garde in their adherence to sprechgesang, unpitched sounds and declamatory manner.  Rather tedious and set to pretentious texts (not by Nietzsche). The music is in the orchestra and it is superb.

[Mirror Image]

Now playing Yoshimatsu Symphony No. 5, Op. 87 from this recording:

[Mapman]

Bantock: Pagan Symphony
Handley: Royal Philharmonic

[Symphonic Addict]

It's inextinguishable (to borrow from Nielsen) Did you like it?

I didn't dislike it, but it's not the kind of works I would listen to on a regular basis. However, exploring new composers and works is always a satisfying journey.

One piece I've always loved is the Double Concerto for Harpsichord and Piano with Two Chamber Orchestras.

Duly noted. Thanks, Karl!

[Symphonic Addict]

Indeed, Cesar. As I mentioned, the Wit series is superb. For the Cello Concertos, I really like this disc:



I'm not sure if it's available for streaming, but I bought it several years ago and it was a pretty expensive disc at the time.

Yes, I've heard those concerti as well. Penderecki had a specialty to write some dark music. It appeals to me enormously.

[Karl Henning]

I recall enjoying this work as well. I think my favorite Carter work is the Piano Sonata.

It's a while since I've listened to that. Time to cue it up again!

[Karl Henning]

I recently had a fresh listen to his clarinet concerto, which seemed fairly easy to follow.  But perhaps that is because I've been listening to his music off and on for quite awhile.  Other than that I recommend his string quartets and solo piano music.

Aye, the Clarinet Concerto is good!

[Karl Henning]

I didn't dislike it, but it's not the kind of works I would listen to on a regular basis. However, exploring new composers and works is always a satisfying journey.


Duly noted. Thanks, Karl!

Very good, Cesar.

[Symphonic Addict]

Rachmaninov: Symphony No. 3

Am I the only one to consider this work a masterpiece? The incorporation of Straussian gestures in the 1st mov. is delightful.

[André]

Rachmaninov: Symphony No. 3

Am I the only one to consider this work a masterpiece? The incorporation of Straussian gestures in the 1st mov. is delightful.

A bona fide masterpiece.

[Mirror Image]

Yes, I've heard those concerti as well. Penderecki had a specialty to write some dark music. It appeals to me enormously.

Me, too, Cesar.

It's a while since I've listened to that. Time to cue it up again!

Excellent!

Rachmaninov: Symphony No. 3

Am I the only one to consider this work a masterpiece? The incorporation of Straussian gestures in the 1st mov. is delightful.

You're not alone. I love this symphony. I listened to this very performance not too long ago. Great stuff.

[JBS]

CD 1


Time to decide who is better: Tharaud or Roget.

[Mirror Image]

CD 1


Time to decide who is better: Tharaud or Roget.

Lovely. Tharaud gets my vote. I like Rogé, but I think the Tharaud performances have a certain magic about them.

[Mirror Image]

A little program I devised:

Yun
Gong-Hu for harp and string orchestra
Ursula Holliger, harp
Camerata Bern
Heinz Holliger

Penderecki
Symphony No. 5, "Korean"
Polish National RSO
Wit

From these recordings: