What are you listening 2 now?

[Symphonic Addict]

Your absolute favorite American symphonist? I have many, but it always comes back to Ives for me. There's nothing quite like him.

His 8 symphonies represent the most consistent and appealing symphony cycle for me. I love the way he wrote for brass and percussion, and the exciting irregular rhythms present in nearly all of his symphonies grab my attention quite well, let alone the alluring harmony language. He knew how to combine all of those elements in superb orchestral creations.

NP:

Ben-Haim
String Quartet No. 1, Op. 21
Carmel Quartet

Superb work!

[Mirror Image]

NP:

Sculthorpe
Memento mori
Adelaide Symphony Orchestra
David Porcelijn

From this set -

[Symphonic Addict]

Castelnuovo-Tedesco: Sonata for violin and cello

New-German-Castle wrote solid pieces imbued with Jewish and Italian melodies. The whole content of the disc is also up to the expectations.

[Mirror Image]

His 8 symphonies represent the most consistent and appealing symphony cycle for me. I love the way he wrote for brass and percussion, and the exciting irregular rhythms present in nearly all of his symphonies grab my attention quite well, let alone the alluring harmony language. He knew how to combine all of those elements in superb orchestral creations.

And don't forget about his substantial Violin Concerto. A concerto that should be taken by every major violinist and performed. A remarkable piece. I agree that Schuman was a fine symphonist, but I like so many others that I'd have a difficult time to saying he's my absolute favorite. The reason I chose Ives has more to do with my own sentimental attachment to his music. He was the second composer I ever got into and has stayed in my mind ever since.

[Mirror Image]

NP:

Smetana
Má vlast
CzPO
Ančerl

[Symphonic Addict]

Atterberg: Symphony No. 7

Atterberg seems uninspired in this symphony methinks. I feel relieved because the 8th doesn't share the musical quality of this one and its coupling.

[Symphonic Addict]

And don't forget about his substantial Violin Concerto. A concerto that should be taken by every major violinist and performed. A remarkable piece. I agree that Schuman was a fine symphonist, but I like so many others that I'd have a difficult time to saying he's my absolute favorite. The reason I chose Ives has more to do with my own sentimental attachment to his music. He was the second composer I ever got into and has stayed in my mind ever since.

Some of Ives's works stand out for me like the Symphony No. 4, Three Places in New England and the Violin Sonatas. The Robert Browning Overture is a wacky yet curious work

[Mirror Image]

Atterberg: Symphony No. 7

Atterberg seems uninspired in this symphony methinks. I feel relieved because the 8th doesn't share the musical quality of this one and its coupling.

I'm sure our Kyle will offer his rebuttal shortly. I wouldn't say Atterberg is my favorite Swede, but I do love the 3rd and 6th symphonies. Also, the symphonic poem Älven - från fjällen till havet. What a magnificent work this is!

[Operafreak]

Arriaga: Symphony & Herminie/ BBC Philharmonic, Juanjo Mena

[Symphonic Addict]

I'm sure our Kyle will offer his rebuttal shortly. I wouldn't say Atterberg is my favorite Swede, but I do love the 3rd and 6th symphonies. Also, the symphonic poem Älven - från fjällen till havet. What a magnificent work this is!

Or perhaps an approval? 

Yes, The River has a colourful and majestic atmosphere that enchants effortlessly. The Horn Concerto is another gem too.

[Mirror Image]

Or perhaps an approval? 

Yes, The River has a colourful and majestic atmosphere that enchants effortlessly. The Horn Concerto is another gem too.

We'll just wait and see. Oh yes, I do like the Horn Concerto as well.

[Operafreak]

Delibes: Ballet Suites- Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Neeme Järvi

[vandermolen]

New arrival. Dora Pejacevic: Symphony (1920)
First listen - very enjoyable:

[vandermolen]

This entire disc:

That's a fine disc! The 'Israel Symphony' was reissued on Naxos.

[vandermolen]

Atterberg: Symphony No. 7

Atterberg seems uninspired in this symphony methinks. I feel relieved because the 8th doesn't share the musical quality of this one and its coupling.

I gave that release a miss as it features my two least favourite Atterberg symphonies.

[Que]

Morning listening:



Part 3 of this series, with music from the late 1560's and the 1570's. A time in which Lassus' carreer has really taken off, not to everybody's satisfaction in the Bavarian court. Splendid performances by the Dutch Egidius Kwartet & College.

[Operafreak]

Shostakovich: Jazz & Variety Suites- Singapore Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Litton

[Roasted Swan]

New arrival. Dora Pejacevic: Symphony (1920)
First listen - very enjoyable:

Literally (minutes ago) just been listening to the piano concerto.  Cannot fault the playing or recording but found the work relatively anonymous - was quite surprised by that as the general reception of the CPO equivalent disc was so positive.  The use of the orchestra is very plain - strictly an accompanist not a protagonist and the harmony and melody is perfectly good but far from compelling.  Hoping I will find the symphony much more engaging.....

[Lisztianwagner]

Richard Wagner
Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg
1^ act

[Biffo]

Dvorak: Symphony No 7 in D minor - Czech Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Karel Ancerl - live performance from February 1962 - mono sound is adequate but shame it is not better. Fine performance, preferable to the rather brutal one from Kertesz/LSO I listened to last week.