What are you listening 2 now?

[Mirror Image]

With the Karayev and Parsadanian it increasingly looks like you have my record collection over there! The end of the Parsadanian symphony commemorating the 'Commissars of Baku' is very moving. You have to hear Kalabis's Symphony No.2 'Sinfonia Pacis'.

Now playing. I continue to listen to this CD right through from beginning to end with much emotional pleasure:

Oh yes, we have very similar record collections, indeed. Both of these Parsadanian symphonies are extremely fine. I'll give a listen to the Kalabis tonight. I'm ripping it to my iPod right now.

[JBS]

I actually sampled a bit of this on You Tube today and although I couldn't face 40 minutes of it I could begin to detect something of interest there. First time I have listened to Boulez I think.

I have found that the later the Boulez piece is chronologically, the easier it is for me.

[Todd]

[kyjo]

Which recording do you refer to?

I believe the reviewer in question prefers the Naxos recording of the d'Albert symphony to the CPO one by a slight margin.

[kyjo]

How interesting! What is the music like please John? Also, may I ask you or any other Schnittke admirer - what are his most approachable works?
I have Symphony 2 'St Florian' which didn't make much impression on me and the Piano Quintet, which did make a big impression on me.

Try the SQ no. 3, Requiem, or 1st Cello Concerto. I don't know his symphonies as well as I should.

[Mirror Image]

NP: The 9th -

[Brian]

Also the 9th, but Schubert (aka really the 8th) and Boston/Munch

[vandermolen]

Try the SQ no. 3, Requiem, or 1st Cello Concerto. I don't know his symphonies as well as I should.

Thank you Kyle - the Requiem is en-route.

[vandermolen]

I have found that the later the Boulez piece is chronologically, the easier it is for me.

Interesting to know - thanks Jeffrey.

[Daverz]

Bruckner 5

[asin] B00ET820BQ[/asin]

On Sony Japan CDs.  Not sure I like the Philadelphia brass in Bruckner, I'm too used to that rounded Mitteleuropa  brass sound in other recordings. 

EDIT: Well the Adagio is gorgeous, and by the trio of the Scherzo I'm fully onboard.

[Todd]

[Undersea]

NP:

[asin]B00QSX2VLE[/asin]

Hovhaness: Symphony #48, Op. 355, "Vision of Andromeda"

[Sergeant Rock]

Mahler 5, Karajan




Sarge

[Karl Henning]

"Papa"
"London Symphonies"
Cleveland
Szell

[Mirror Image]

NP: The 9th -

Well, I didn't even make it to the 30 minute mark of this symphony without wanting to punch a wall...yes, it was that infuriating. As I mentioned in the Pettersson thread, I believe that his best works are the 6th, 7th and 8th symphonies. I will say that I could never count Pettersson amongst my favorite composers, because there's just not enough written from this composer that I enjoy, but that being said, I do believe the afore mentioned works are stunning and have each affected me in different ways and I do enjoy them whenever I revisit them on occasion.

Speaking of the 8th, now playing:



The introduction alone is worth the price of admission. Some of his most inspired writing, IMHO. I think Pettersson knew that the follow-up to what could possibly be his best symphony, the 7th, that the next symphony needed to be just as good or better. I think he succeeded here and Segerstam's performance is the best I've heard.

[T. D.]

Well, John it had 'nothing of the circus about it'. It is very sombre and has a kind of dark poetry which I find engaging. Like you I had the set in the shrink-wrap for a long time. The first two symphonies were written in occupied Czechoslovakia. Kabeláč sounds like someone of great integrity. He was a musical director of Czechoslovakia  Radio but his wife was Jewish. He could either divorce or give up his job. Without hesitation he chose the latter course and it was only through the help of his friends that he probably survived the war years. His wife was a musician as well. I think that as you like Honegger this music, although different would appeal to you. The First Symphony for Strings and Percussion was not so far removed from Martinu's Concerto for Double String Orchestra or Honegger's Symphony No.2. All I can say is that Symphony No.2 was a revelation to me today and I immediately wanted to hear it again. It makes interesting use of the saxophone. The only one I knew before was No.5 for (wordless) Voice and Orchestra which I've always rather liked. So, not 'easy' music but tonal and darkly eloquent. I would give it a go!

Thanks, I'm going to give the box [Kabeláč symphonies] more serious consideration. Sounds as though I'd also enjoy #1, 2 and 5, and I like the Praga recording of #8, which I've had for over 20 years.

[Mahlerian]

Stravinsky: Pulcinella (full ballet)
Ann Murray, Antony Rolfe Johnson, Simon Estes, Ensemble Intercontemporain, cond. Boulez

[Symphonic Addict]

I get the remarks about this is the first important German Romantic opera. Weber was a remarkable tunesmith and this opera has a bunch of memorable ideas. As a highlight of great beauty, Und ob die Wolke sie verhülle stood out. Sublime.

[Symphonic Addict]

I believe the reviewer in question prefers the Naxos recording of the d'Albert symphony to the CPO one by a slight margin.

Thanks, Kyle. I did check and it was the CPO recording. There were good reviews indeed.

[Mirror Image]

First-Listen Thursday -

NP: Symphony No. 2, Op. 18, "Sinfonia pacis"