What are you listening 2 now?

[kyjo]

Fine selection of works, Kyle. Ropartz's chamber music is quite worthwhile. Have you ever heard his Piano Trio? I suspect you'll enjoy it.

First listen to those Sibelius works, being you a die-hard fan of this composer? 

I've heard the Ropartz Piano Trio a while ago and recall enjoying it; I'll have to revisit it. Do you know his SQs? That's uncharted territory for me.

Yeah, well, there's so many Sibelius works that almost never get discussed (like his ballet Scaramouche which I discovered a few weeks ago), so I often forget that they exist!

[Linz]

More Mozart this time with Gunter Wand with Symphonies 39, 40 and 41

[Klavier1]

In case you are wondering what's on this new release, it's Ravel's "Gaspard de la nuit" and Rachmaninoff's Sonata No.1. I think the Rachmaninoff is more successful. Both works were written in 1908, hence the title.

[bhodges]

In case you are wondering what's on this new release, it's Ravel's "Gaspard de la nuit" and Rachmaninoff's Sonata No.1. I think the Rachmaninoff is more successful. Both works were written in 1908, hence the title.

Coincidentally, I just received a copy of this yesterday. Haven't listened yet, but I'm inclined positively, based on hearing her in the past. That said, for Gaspard, it takes some real confidence to come out with a recording, given all the superb versions out there.

Now listening to:
Martinů: Double Concerto for two String Orchestras, Piano and Timpani – Andrés Orozco-Estrada / Frankfurt Radio Symphony. An excellent recent version (recorded in June 2020), which like most classical music (or any music) benefits from seeing the interaction between the conductor and the musicians, and between the musicians themselves.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2m8WYEANIj0&t=2s

--Bruce

[classicalgeek]

Humiwo (Fumio) Hayasaka
*Piano Concerto
Ancient Dances
Overture in D major
*Hiromi Okada, piano
Russian Philharmonic Orchestra
Dmitry Yablonsky
(on Spotify)



The two movements of the piano concerto couldn't be more different: an expansive first movement, full of dark, somber textures in both the orchestra and piano that brought Rachmaninov to mind, and a bouncy moto perpetuo finale that evoked Poulenc and Milhaud. I'm not sure these two starkly contrasting ideas worked together - but it was interesting to hear the result. I was more fond of the Ancient Dances and the Overture, especially the harmonic language and the liberal use of percussion.

[Symphonic Addict]

This is my first foray into this box (which I just received recently) and I was very impressed!

TD: another unknown (before today) Japanese composer:

Saburo Moroi
Sinfonietta
Symphonic movements
Symphony no. 3
National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland
Takuo Yuasa



I really enjoyed the neoclassical Sinfonietta, especially the first movement, and the more weighty Symphonic movements. I wasn't quite as impressed with the Third Symphony, though it did have its moments; it reminded me of Shostakovich and even Mahler (there's a tune in the finale that first makes an appearance at about 7:46 that wouldn't be out of place in late Mahler.) It was very pleasant to listen to, but I guess I wanted something more. Still, I look forward to exploring more of this series - Sadao Bekku has been a really nice discovery!

Another one I just remembered now: Yasushi Akutagawa's Prima Sinfonia:



We could say it is a little derivative (you'll notice from whom  ), yet the symphony really didn't disappoint in its development, dark atmospheres and the excitement it conveys. A very fine piece.

Ah, and there is a CD of this composer in the Naxos series if you want to explore that as well.

Humiwo (Fumio) Hayasaka
*Piano Concerto
Ancient Dances
Overture in D major
*Hiromi Okada, piano
Russian Philharmonic Orchestra
Dmitry Yablonsky
(on Spotify)



The two movements of the piano concerto couldn't be more different: an expansive first movement, full of dark, somber textures in both the orchestra and piano that brought Rachmaninov to mind, and a bouncy moto perpetuo finale that evoked Poulenc and Milhaud. I'm not sure these two starkly contrasting ideas worked together - but it was interesting to hear the result. I was more fond of the Ancient Dances and the Overture, especially the harmonic language and the liberal use of percussion.

Jeffrey (Vandermolen) is a fan of this work. A quite weird albeit peculiar piece.

[Symphonic Addict]

The Klusák is exquisite, Cesar!

Just it finished here. Certainly it is a captivating piece of music. It takes the super famous Adagietto to develop these serialist variations. It requires your attention to grasp it better.

Thanks for mentioning this piece, Karl. A good discovery!

[classicalgeek]

Another one I just remembered now: Yasushi Akutagawa's Prima Sinfonia:



We could say it is a little derivative (you'll notice from whom  ), yet the symphony really didn't disappoint in its development, dark atmospheres and the excitement it conveys. A very fine piece.

Ah, and there is a CD of this composer in the Naxos series if you want to explore that as well.

Jeffrey (Vandermolen) is a fan of this work. A quite weird albeit peculiar piece.

I found the Akutagawa Prima Sinfonia disc on Spotify and sampled each movement - I'm definitely intrigued by the piece! I'll listen tomorrow, and to the Naxos disc as well. The last movement could have been written by Prokofiev - but the first movement reminded me more of Shostakovich, maybe?

TD: Winding up the work day with this (actually brought the CD into the office):

Dvorak
Symphony no. 7
Symphony no. 8
London Symphony Orchestra
Istvan Kertesz



One of my favorite versions of the Seventh - I love how the rich string sound and the prominence given to the horns. I'm a little less fond of the Eighth in this set - I guess I like a more relaxed account in the first two movements? And while the finale is quite well done, I really like it to let loose at the end. Still, an enjoyable performance. Gorgeous woodwind playing throughout, by the way

[Symphonic Addict]

I've heard the Ropartz Piano Trio a while ago and recall enjoying it; I'll have to revisit it. Do you know his SQs? That's uncharted territory for me.

Yeah, well, there's so many Sibelius works that almost never get discussed (like his ballet Scaramouche which I discovered a few weeks ago), so I often forget that they exist!

I am familiar with Ropartz in general, so yes, me likes his SQS, mostly the first 5 or 6. OTOH, the only symphonies that really atracts to me are Nos. 3 and 4. The others lack memorability and spark, methinks.

So, yes, persevere on those nice discoveries!

[Symphonic Addict]

I found the Akutagawa Prima Sinfonia disc on Spotify and sampled each movement - I'm definitely intrigued by the piece! I'll listen tomorrow, and to the Naxos disc as well. The last movement could have been written by Prokofiev - but the first movement reminded me more of Shostakovich, maybe?

TD: Winding up the work day with this (actually brought the CD into the office):

Dvorak
Symphony no. 7
Symphony no. 8
London Symphony Orchestra
Istvan Kertesz



One of my favorite versions of the Seventh - I love how the rich string sound and the prominence given to the horns. I'm a little less fond of the Eighth in this set - I guess I like a more relaxed account in the first two movements? And while the finale is quite well done, I really like it to let loose at the end. Still, an enjoyable performance. Gorgeous woodwind playing throughout, by the way

Jrom the rhythmic Japan to the folksy Bohemian mountains. Not bad.  And yes, for me, this is still the one to beat. I mean, for instance, the celebratory and joyful trumpets in the 4th mov. is a moment to feel yourself alive and thankful for having created this wonder in a really fun rustic Czech dance!

[Symphonic Addict]

Godard: Piano Concerto No. 2 in G minor

Quite delighted to having revisited this utterly charming composition. Romanticism, elegance, good melodies, very in the vein of Saint-Saëns, albeit not derivative from him.

[Mirror Image]

Two versions of Children's Corner: the original solo piano version and the Caplet orchestration -

From these recordings:



Somehow I received this new Debussy Orchestrated BIS recording ahead of the release date, which is March 4th on most sites including several Amazon European sites and Presto as well. Anyway, I'm not complaining, just surprised to see it show up on my doorstep so early.

[Symphonic Addict]

And to me Ravel instead:



Only sampled Alborada del Gracioso, Une barque sur l'ocèan and Pavane pour une infante défunte. Most impressive. I didn't recall how evocative these works are, and above all, so masterfully orchestrated.

[Symphonic Addict]

Weinberg: Symphony nr. 6

The children chorus adds a quite poignant element to the music and its circumstances.

[Que]

Morning listening:



One of Beauy Farm's greatest achievements.

[San Antone]

Schubert | 3 Piano Pieces, D 946 | Andrea Lucchesini

[Harry]

Waiting for the superstorm Eunice, which will arrive in the Netherlands at around 14:00 Amsterdam-Berlin time.
Last time I had a lot of damage, in total about 130.000 euro's, lets hope this time it will hold all together.
I am far to agitated to listen to music. 

[Irons]

Pounds the table! The notion that Saint-Saëns' music "lacks depth" is an oft-repeated falsity perpetuated by those who haven't taken time to actually listen to his music...

Saint-Saens: Havanaise.

[Mandryka]

[Mandryka]

Waiting for the superstorm Eunice, which will arrive in the Netherlands at around 14:00 Amsterdam-Berlin time.
Last time I had a lot of damage, in total about 130.000 euro's, lets hope this time it will hold all together.
I am far to agitated to listen to music.

Yes well I plan on opening a good bottle of wine. 130K € is a lot of money in storm damage. I shall check my insurance policies straight away.