What are you listening 2 now?

[Mandryka]

Listening to the opening duo for two cellos in C.

I don't think this is formulaic or anodine or just charming, delightful. There's a level of fantasy, unexpectedness, which makes it more than that. Boccherini is turning out to be my biggest old time classical music composer discovery for a long time.

Richard Lester is the Boccherini man as far as I can see - here and in the cello quintets.

[Iota]

Boulez: Livre pour cordes
Vienna Philharmonic, Boulez (cond.)

The VPO seems a perfect choice for Livre pour cordes, which feels to me rich in 2nd Viennese School heritage. Rapturous, restless and more personal than much Boulez, it's almost like a non-tonal Verklärte Nacht. Lovely.

[Bachtoven]

Brilliant playing.

[Mapman]

Shostakovich: Symphony #4
Järvi: Scottish National Orchestra

[Karl Henning]

Hanson: Piano Concerto
List, Epstein: MIT Symphony Orchestra

Fascinating.

[Karl Henning]

TD:

[Karl Henning]

Haydn, Missa Cellensis, aka 'Mariazellermesse'

Greatly enjoyed that one, as I reached it in the big box.

[Todd]

Outstanding. 

[Dry Brett Kavanaugh]

A rare but lovely kind of piano:

The tangent piano is a very rare keyboard instrument that resembles a harpsichord and early pianos in design. It normally features five octaves of keys and the strings are acted upon by narrow wooden or metal slips when the keys are depressed.

The tangent piano has an unusual sound that combines the qualities of the harpsichord and piano. The treble resembles the bright sound from a light action piano, and the bass resembles the bass from a harpsichord. The sound varies from instrument to instrument, as do personal descriptions of the tangent piano's sound.

Thank you for the explanation. I love the sound of tangent piano.

[DizzyD]

[Madiel]

Greatly enjoyed that one, as I reached it in the big box.

Yes, me too.

[kyjo]

Britten: String Quartet No. 1

Britten's output for this medium has strong merits to be considered among the greatest in the 20th century. Music with personality and expertly written.

Indeed, I find much fascination and satisfaction in his first two quartets, above all the masterful No. 2. But No. 3, damn, that's a tough nut to crack! It's too introverted and even "cryptic" for my tastes.

[Karl Henning]

.

[kyjo]

Quite how aged about 12 you write this Piano Trio I have no idea.  I always find "Opus 1" quite interesting in gauging a composer's development - some have a long way to travel, others like Korngold are remarkable from the get go.  I don't know this recording but was really impressed by this Naxos recording;



the companion disc which includes the Suite is equally fine I thought....

Such odd choices of cover art for such effusive, youthful, lyrical, and lush music! They'd be more appropriate for albums of music by Shostakovich, Weinberg, Schnittke, Pettersson, Penderecki, etc. Whatever the case, those are superb recordings of such highly inventive and enjoyable music.

[Todd]

[listener]

François COUPERIN:    The two Masses for organ
Michel Chapuis, organ of the Èglise St-Nicolas, Pertuis
highly recommended, for both the recording and the 32-page booklet (half is in French, so maybe 16 pages useful for some)

[DavidW]

Brahms PT #1 and Horn Trio.

[Mapman]

Finzi: Intimations of Immortality
Langridge, Hickox: Liverpool

A work with many beautiful and emotional moments, but much of it not particularly memorable. The percussion seems excessive: every climax doesn't need a cymbal crash.

[kyjo]

Bretón: Symphony No. 3 in G major

An utterly lovely and tuneful piece with an endearing sense of rusticity, yet there is no much Spanish flavour, I hasten to add, it's more French-and-German-sounding (the 3rd movement inhabits a more Spanish sound world). The orchestra plays with gusto, almost reaching flawless category. Hurwitz should talk about this composer and symphony on his Youtube Channel.

Cool, Cesar. I remember listening to this symphony a few years ago and thinking it was enjoyable but not particularly special. I should revisit it, I guess!

[kyjo]

Fernando Lopes-Graça: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2.
Eldar Nebolsin/Bamert.

Pounds the table! Two sparkling, neo-classical PCs in the best sense of the word.