What are you listening 2 now?

[Maestro267]

Tcherepnin: Narcisse et Echo
Residente Orchestra The Hague/Rozhdestvensky

So...apparently there are at least two Tcherepnins. I scanned the Composer index looking for this composer, and I could only find Alexander, not Nikolai. Judging by the lifespans, it's possible Alexander is Nikolai's son or nephew. Either way, this ballet is by Nikolai, and right away it feels like a proto-Daphnis. Both come from Greek mythology, both are extravagantly scored and feature a wordless choir, and a prominent flute solo.

[Irons]

Guarnieri: Symphony no. 1



I'm usually impressed by this composer's music, and this is no exception. Each of the movements' titles, Rude, Profundo, and Radioso, suits them to a tee. I was reminded variously of Villa-Lobos, Piston, Braga Santos, and Roussel in this work which exhibits both supercharged energy and soulful lyricism. The finale, in particular, contains some wonderful passages. Superb performance and sound.


Saint-Saëns: Piano Concerto no. 3



I've expressed my enthusiasm for S-S' PCs numerous times on this forum, and now I'll go out on a limb and say that they're my favorite PC cycle by anyone. Each one of them is sheer joy from beginning to end, and the curiously underplayed 3rd is no exception. Isn't that finale just thrilling?


Hanson: Merry Mount



For those who like their music subtle, intricate, and intellectual, this piece is emphatically NOT for you! This, Hanson's only opera, is a no-holds-barred smorgasbord of sheer epicness, with glorious melodies and edge-of-your-seat drama. And the subject of the opera is the Puritans, of all people! Any admirer of opera and/or Hanson must hear this!!


Rawsthorne: Symphony no. 2 A Pastoral Symphony



As has been commented, this concise work bears little resemblance to RVW's symphony of the same name outside of the fact that they both utilize a soprano solo in the final movement. Rawsthorne's unique harmonic language is present throughout and he paints a distinctly un-idealized picture of the English countryside. Very intriguing stuff.


Damase: Piano Sonata



One of this composer's most dramatic and harmonically "spicy" works, and what a thrill ride it is! The lovely Damase-ian lyrical "oases" are here, of course, but they're effectively spread out over the course of the work. Any admirers of the composer should hear this!

I agree with you for Saint-Saens and thanks for heads-up on Naxos Rawsthorne.

[Traverso]

Byrd

CD 1

[Que]

François Couperin

Quatrième Livre

Love it!  Very odd that that set hasn't been reissued yet.

Q

[Symphonic Addict]

Yes, I was very impressed by this music as well. I see his 3rd Symphony is on YT.

Yesterday I listened to it and it's so vibrant with some peaceful New-Age-like passages.

[Symphonic Addict]

Taneyev: Symphony no. 2



This symphony boasts a haunting, chorale-like opening and a catchy, energetic finale. I didn't find the central movement as interesting. The performance here has the requisite vigor and character, but suffers from poor intonation in the low brass and a dismally "thuddy" sounding timpani.

I had thought you weren't going to post your recent listens any longer!

The Naxos (or Marco Polo?) recording /performance of it sounds better, and curiously it's the second movement the one I like the most.

[Symphonic Addict]

Korngold: Kings Row



I don't normally listen to film music, but WOW! This is absolutely glorious! Korngold in his element.

Yes, Kings Row is Korngold at his best!

[Symphonic Addict]

And....what did you think? I recall being highly impressed by the dramatic Musique pour l'esprit en deuil.

That work was very good, for me it sounded like an orchestral lament. The other work is scored for 6 instruments, rather pensive and serene in mood but I didn't find it too compelling.

[Todd]

[Iota]

Meyer: String Quartet No.7

Intriguing. Musical lines that seem almost to ricochet around in a contained space, finding different permutations/emotional shades en route. Heading straight for the listen again pile.

[Christo]

Guarnieri: Symphony no. 1



I'm usually impressed by this composer's music, and this is no exception. Each of the movements' titles, Rude, Profundo, and Radioso, suits them to a tee. I was reminded variously of Villa-Lobos, Piston, Braga Santos, and Roussel in this work which exhibits both supercharged energy and soulful lyricism. The finale, in particular, contains some wonderful passages. Superb performance and sound.

Totally agree, was always surprised that the acclaim wasn't bigger at the moment BIS came with the six symphonies (we're still waiting for Symphony No. 7).

[JBS]

Enjoy your Delius 

I am.
In fact I'm listening to the next CD, which is anchored by Paris Song of a Great City, and concludes with the Piano Concerto, stopping off at In a summer garden, On hearing the first cuckoo in Spring, and some other stuff along the way. [Mackerras conducts PSoaGC, Handley the rest; Piers Lane is the concerto soloist.]

[Symphonic Addict]

Symphony No. 4

It's not one of my favorite performances of this work. It's good, nevertheless, but I think it lacked majesty and quirkiness.

[Seven Force]

* Romantic: Liszt's Faust Symphony and Smetana's Wallenstein's Camp
* Modern: Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No. 1 and A. Tcherepnin's Symphony No. 1
* Contemporary: Gombau's Music for Voices and Instruments and Jolivet's Concert Suite for Flute and Percussion

[André]

A sterling version of The Planets, splendidly played by the RSNO (great percussion section) and recorded in very fine acoustics. Pluto is a nice bonus, its eerie beginning tailing Neptune's wordless chorus' last note. The Mystic Trumpeter is a considerable bonus, and a very fine work to boot. I only wish the words could be made intelligible. Holst doesn't help his case with a vocal writing that lies treacherously high - a familiar complaint with music involving a solo soprano. A baritone version perhaps ?

[Todd]

Disc four equivalent.

[kyjo]

I had thought you weren't going to post your recent listens any longer!

The Naxos (or Marco Polo?) recording /performance of it sounds better, and curiously it's the second movement the one I like the most.

I had a flash of inspiration last night. I'll try to stay a bit more consistent with my postings in this thread in the future. I've just been lazy!

Yeah, I'll have to check out the Naxos/Marco Polo recording of the Taneyev. I was surprised by the problems with the performance on the Chandos CD, as that label usually boasts consistently high standards of artistry.

[kyjo]

Totally agree, was always surprised that the acclaim wasn't bigger at the moment BIS came with the six symphonies (we're still waiting for Symphony No. 7).

Indeed, those BIS recordings of the Guarnieri symphonies with the wonderful John Neschling at the helm are of great significance and should be recognized as such. I do hope we get to hear the 7th Symphony someday, and I'm looking forward to hearing the new Naxos album of his Choros!

[T. D.]

Yes, Kings Row is Korngold at his best!

And generally regarded as Ronald Reagan's cinematic high point. 

[Symphonic Addict]

* Romantic: Liszt's Faust Symphony and Smetana's Wallenstein's Camp
* Modern: Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No. 1 and A. Tcherepnin's Symphony No. 1
* Contemporary: Gombau's Music for Voices and Instruments and Jolivet's Concert Suite for Flute and Percussion

Welcome to the forum! All of those are great pieces, except the Gombau which I don't know at all.