What are you listening 2 now?

[Symphonic Addict]

Another go at this enigmatic composer's music:



It might tell me if I should invest in the whole set...

Yes, you should. 

I don't remember each symphony well, but they do have interesting music that grabs your attention.

[Mirror Image]

NP:

Schulhoff
Violin Sonata No. 2, WV 91
Tanja Becker-Bender, violin
Markus Becker, piano

[Symphonic Addict]

Roussel: Symphony no. 3



Fine as Roussel's other symphonies are, the Third remains my favorite. It's a prime example of a "meaty", "emotional" brand of neo-classicism which I find so appealing. I love the contrast between strident, rhythmic passages and the more lyrical "oases" that pop up from time to time. And it goes without saying that the slow movement is a great utterance, with its shatteringly powerful climaxes. Critical consensus seems to be that the Stéphane Denève/RSNO cycle on Naxos is the finest Roussel cycle available - and it is very good indeed! - but a quick comparison in this work revealed Dutoit and the Orchestre National de France to be even better, with a keen balance between Roussel's aggressive and sensuous sides.


Tchaikovsky - String Quartet no. 2 (Antje Weithaas and Byol Kang, violins/Timothy Ridout, viola/Tanja Tetzlaff, cello)



I didn't have very positive memories of this work, but they were soon banished by this wonderful live performance. Tchaikovsky reportedly thought it was his finest work, and while I may not necessarily agree with him, it's still excellent nonetheless. Particularly of note are the hesitant, shyly intimate scherzo with its odd rhythmic pattern and the exuberant finale which boasts a killer secondary theme (which is up there with some of Tchaik's best).


The entire disc:



I can't recommend this disc highly enough! While Dorati's classic Decca recordings of Kodály's orchestral works may be considered the most "authentic", the Philharmonia Hungarica in those recordings was a bit "rough around the edges" and are superseded (IMO) by the magnificent Buffalo Philharmonic here, which really is one of America's up-and-coming great orchestras. The standout for me here is undoubtedly the magnificent Peacock Variations, which is one of Kodály's greatest works as well as one of the finest sets of orchestral variations in the repertoire. If the Dances of Marosszék isn't quite up to the level of inspiration of the other works on the disc, that's a small quibble.

Some don't consider Dutoit's cycle as succesful as others, but I do like it too.

Tchaikovsky's 2nd Quartet is his finest indeed. I especially like the elegiac slow movement.

As to Kodàly's Marosszek Dances, I agree with you. It doesn't compare with the greatness of Dances of Galánta.

[Symphonic Addict]

Ben Haim has been one of the great discoveries of recent years for me.

Certainly for me as well, Jeffrey. His two symphonies, concertante works and chamber music are right up my alley.

[Symphonic Addict]

Dyson: Violin Concerto.

Let down by the last (4th) movement but there are moments of nobility that I find most appealing.

This concerto should be recorded more often. I also perceive that sense of nobility that makes it so compelling.

[Symphonic Addict]

None of your comments have been trite and silly. I read every one of Shostakovich quartet comments with joy and interest because these are works I love and am interested how others perceive them. I am not a musician, so I can understand your thoughts and descriptions, rather musical theory musicology technical descriptions which go right over my head.

Please keep on posting your thoughts! 

+1

These inputs and the others' are making me revisit these masterful quartets.

[Symphonic Addict]

First-Listen Tuesday

Haas
String Quartet No. 2, Op. 7, "From the Monkey Mountains"
Pavel Haas Quartet

That's hot stuff! An utterly atmospheric and vigorous work. The last movement with the percussion is especially thrilling.

[Symphonic Addict]

Hendrik Andriessen: Symphony No.1 (1930) - a fine score.
Seemed appropriate play in view of the recent passing away of Hendrik's son Louis Andriessen.

These symphonies meant some striking discoveries some years ago. His take on Neoclassicism is very effective.

[Mirror Image]

More from Charlie:

Ives
Symphony No. 4
Schola Cantorum of New York
American Symphony Orchestra
Leopold Stokowski (Asst. conductors: David Katz, José Serebrier)

[Mirror Image]

That's hot stuff! An utterly atmospheric and vigorous work. The last movement with the percussion is especially thrilling.

It sure is. Loved this work very much. Looking forward to hearing it again.

[bhodges]

Listening to an interview with members of the Tesla Quartet and composer Gabriela Lena Frank, talking about Bartók and his influence on her work. Over the last 6 months, the ensemble has presented all six of the quartets, along with open rehearsals, and discussions like these.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTFKHA16qIw&t=30s

--Bruce

[Karl Henning]

Malipiero
Fantasie di ogni giorno
Orchestra Sinfonica di Roma

[Dry Brett Kavanaugh]

NP:

Kaprálová
Vojenská symfonieta (Military Sinfonietta), Op. 11
University of Michigan Symphony Orchestra
Kenneth Kiesler



What a fantastic work! This particular performance is much better performed than the Prague SO performance I listened to last night. It has more life in it, but I'm still crossing my fingers that a conductor with the Czech Philharmonic records this work.

+1. Lovely recording! I re-listened to both the albums and I agree with you, this recording sounds better. Anyway, such a nice and unforgettable music. The piano concerto is good as well.  Looking forward to reading your thoughts on other recordings of VK as well.

NP:

Walton
Portsmouth Point Overture
LSO
Previn



I've had this piece circle around in my head all day long, so I just had to listen to it. Damn earworm!

Love it. Such a killer tune.

[Dry Brett Kavanaugh]

Hello beside back pain, spine pain, hernia umbilicus, one scrapped leg, walking whit a cane pain, the Moral is good that all that really count, and music of Renaissance for me 

SO I'm listening to prestigious good album , that is very very very good (neologism obligation for this one folks). Sigismondo India greatestest I heard and heard a lot , kind sweet GmG brother?

Viva La Venexiana , simply irresistible Primo Libro DE Madrigali, and God know if he exist I am the biggest admirer of this composer Sigismondo India = Carlo gesualdo +Monteverdi+ hint of musical heritage of Franco-Flemish greatest Giaches DE Wert, most definitely ask any rational Flemish or Gent specialistmusicologist in Gent mother land of Flanders, if I'm right it's
MEGA
GIGA
ZILLA

a GODZILLA OF TALENT OF A PERFECTION AND EXCECUTION, AN INSTANT WINNER AND i endorse this album has some MONOLITIC titanic proportion award , I give it in renaissance of later Italians renaissance, it's not just  a 5 on 5 decent , it's bello , grandissmo splendide, bene, bene Bene IL Sigiismondo never sound so alive since  (1600 year , this said when Sigismondo decide to craft Gem, from beyond, pardon my enthusiasm, but this album has a music nerd drive an instinct orgasm surreal beauty , I acknowledge , perhaps you or someone should.

Salute Deprofundis is a time span bobble He just listen and take note analyze cadence avant-garde in music, wonderfull GmG people's please take good care have a splendid day not just outhere in the sun, but feel the sun enter your heart , the Sun(son)of god?, atheist just imagine peerless perfection in execution., pretty sleeve, a most!

d, you are right about feeling the sun enter the heart. As for your back pain, cold shower or acupuncture may help. Plus yoga or Karate. Btw, in case you don't already know, there has been a Mecha-Godzilla, if not mega-Godzilla. It's always nice to read your posts, d. Have a good evening.

[VonStupp]

Hubert Parry
Blest Pair of Sirens
I Was Glad
LSO & Chorus - Sir Richard Hickox

Finishing off Parry.

[Karl Henning]

Shostakovich
24 Preludes, Op. 34
Babinsky

[André]

Yes, you should. 

I don't remember each symphony well, but they do have interesting music that grabs your attention.

Well, there's the 7th and 8th (plus 2 orchestral pieces) on that disc I listened to today. Frankel wrote his symphonies late in life, in his dodecaphonic phase. I find them kind of hard to decipher, although for some reason no 8 is easier on the ear. I've put that CPO set on my wish list but might leave it there for a while. Sometimes my whiles are short though  .

[Karl Henning]

Test-Drive Tuesday:

Respighi
Poema autunnale, P. 146
Lydia Mordkovitch, vn
BBC Phil
Sir Edward Downes

[Mirror Image]

+1. Lovely recording! I re-listened to both the albums and I agree with you, this recording sounds better. Anyway, such a nice and unforgettable music. The piano concerto is good as well.  Looking forward to reading your thoughts on other recordings of VK as well.


Love it. Such a killer tune.

Thanks, Dry Brett. Looking forward to digging more into Kaprálová's music.

[Mirror Image]

Shostakovich
24 Preludes, Op. 34
Babinsky

Great stuff, Karl. Of the two performances you listened to, did you prefer one over the other or were they both of equal merit?