What are you listening 2 now?

[vandermolen]

Confusingly ICA Classics claim "first CD release" Jeffrey, but for the 6th it is not. Boult's Proms 16th August 1972 live recording was issued with the BBC MM Vol.21 No.7. The coupling being Brabbins conducting Orchestra of Wales in "The Sea" by Frank Bridge.

It is indeed confusing Lol. They must mean that Symphony No.5 is the first CD release but it's a bit misleading. I have the BBC MM recording with the Bridge + this one! (are they all the same I wonder?)

[Symphonic Addict]

I also like Barber's first! I first encountered it in a band version of the slow section, and later bought that same recording with its original coupling.  Barber does a great job constructing a four-section symphony from just a few melodic ideas.


Just now:
Fibich: Symphony #1
Järvi: Detroit

This symphony is full of melodies and is very reminiscent of Dvořák.

Indeed, Barber's 1st is one of the most compelling one-movement symphonies known to me.

And those Fibich symphonies under Järvi are fabulous. No. 3 is my favorite.

[aligreto]

Janacek: Sonata for Violin and Piano [Crossley/Sillito]





The first movement comprises very ruminative and engaging music. The second movement is contemplative but also very beguiling. The piano line, in particular, is enchanting. The third movement is a mix in terms of tempo and tone and there are some wonderfully exciting passages for the violin. The final movement is a wonderful contrast in itself between a free flowing, lyrical piece and an occasional interrupting and questioning violin. It is a wonderful stand-alone movement. The work, overall, inhabits an exciting and very atmospheric sound world.

[Symphonic Addict]

A stunning recording all-around. My favorite performance of Lemminkäinen Suite and Tapiola. The companion disc with The Tempest Suites Nos. 1 & 2, The Oceanides and Night Ride & Sunrise is also a favorite.

Segerstam is a superb Sibelius conductor. I don't like all of his recordings, though, I do admit he succeeded most of times.

[Symphonic Addict]

This listen is a product of being out of my comfort zone:

Carter: Concerto for orchestra

This is not 'friendly' music at all. It's challenging, with lots of timbres, sonorities, textures. Somehow the music seems unfolding rather randomly. Not sure if it's the most apt description, but it's the way I felt it.

[classicalgeek]

Henri Lazarof
*Tableaux for piano and orchestra
%Violin concerto
Symphony no. 2
*Garrick Ohlsson, piano
%Yukiko Kamei, violin
Seattle Symphony Orchestra
Gerard Schwarz
(on Spotify)



Still deciding what I think - the symphony in particular had its share of moments, as did the Violin Concerto. The Tableaux wasn't as appealing to me, but I think the disc as a whole is worthy of another listen.

[vandermolen]

Indeed, Barber's 1st is one of the most compelling one-movement symphonies known to me.

And those Fibich symphonies under Järvi are fabulous. No. 3 is my favorite.

+1 for Barber's First Symphony. My favourite recording is with William Strickland conducting the Japan PO.

[kyjo]

Over the weekend:

Arnold
Symphony no. 2
National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland
Andrew Penny



The more I listen to Malcolm Arnold, the more I love him!

Oh, how I love the Arnold 2nd! It's my second favorite symphony of his after the 5th. I love the sheer tuneful ebullience of the outer movements, which are effectively contrasted by the darkly solemn slow movement.

[kyjo]

Benjamin Lees
Symphony no. 2
Symphony no. 3
Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz
Stephen Gunzenhauser
(on Spotify)

Thoughts? I'm totally unfamiliar with this composer's music.

[kyjo]

Janacek: Sonata for Violin and Piano [Crossley/Sillito]





The first movement comprises very ruminative and engaging music. The second movement is contemplative but also very beguiling. The piano line, in particular, is enchanting. The third movement is a mix in terms of tempo and tone and there are some wonderfully exciting passages for the violin. The final movement is a wonderful contrast in itself between a free flowing, lyrical piece and an occasional interrupting and questioning violin. It is a wonderful stand-alone movement. The work, overall, inhabits an exciting and very atmospheric sound world.

Such a magical work! There's a lyrical passage in the 2nd movement which brings tears to my eyes whenever I hear it.

[kyjo]

This listen is a product of being out of my comfort zone:

Carter: Concerto for orchestra

This is not 'friendly' music at all. It's challenging, with lots of timbres, sonorities, textures. Somehow the music seems unfolding rather randomly. Not sure if it's the most apt description, but it's the way I felt it.

Yep, that's a very apt description and I share your sentiments regarding Carter's mature music. So many seem to regard him as one the greatest composers of the late 20th/early 21st centuries, but I find little that is comprehensible or appealing about his music. My loss, clearly. I do like some of his earlier works, though, like his Cello Sonata.

[JBS]

Yep, that's a very apt description and I share your sentiments regarding Carter's mature music. So many seem to regard him as one the greatest composers of the late 20th/early 21st centuries, but I find little that is comprehensible or appealing about his music. My loss, clearly. I do like some of his earlier works, though, like his Cello Sonata.

I find Carter to be very challenging, but usually worth struggling with. I have had most success with the String Quartets and the late works.

[JBS]

TD

[Mirror Image]

Now playing Janáček String Quartet No. 2, "Intimate Letters" with the Pavel Haas Quartet:

[Symphonic Addict]

Now playing Penderecki Largo for Cello and Orchestra with Arto Noras/Antoni Wit/Warsaw National PO:



Aside from the composer's own recordings of his music on EMI and Dux (amongst other labels), this Wit series remains invaluable for the Penderecki fan.

Certainly, a wonderful indispensable disc for any serious listener of this composer. Penderecki's writing for cello is nothing but masterful.

[Symphonic Addict]

+1 for Barber's First Symphony. My favourite recording is with William Strickland conducting the Japan PO.

A Japanese orchestra, eh? Interesting, Jeffrey!

[Symphonic Addict]

Yep, that's a very apt description and I share your sentiments regarding Carter's mature music. So many seem to regard him as one the greatest composers of the late 20th/early 21st centuries, but I find little that is comprehensible or appealing about his music. My loss, clearly. I do like some of his earlier works, though, like his Cello Sonata.

I find Carter to be very challenging, but usually worth struggling with. I have had most success with the String Quartets and the late works.

The string quartets comprise the pieces I've sort of digested and enjoyed at once. It's clear that Carter is not for everybody. There could be beauty and appeal in his toughest works for many, nonetheless.

[Karl Henning]

This listen is a product of being out of my comfort zone:

Carter: Concerto for orchestra

This is not 'friendly' music at all. It's challenging, with lots of timbres, sonorities, textures. Somehow the music seems unfolding rather randomly. Not sure if it's the most apt description, but it's the way I felt it.

It's inextinguishable (to borrow from Nielsen) Did you like it?

[Karl Henning]

TD

How is't?

[Karl Henning]

The string quartets comprise the pieces I've sort of digested and enjoyed at once. It's clear that Carter is not for everybody. There could be beauty and appeal in his toughest works for many, nonetheless.

One piece I've always loved is the Double Concerto for Harpsichord and Piano with Two Chamber Orchestras.