What are you listening 2 now?

[Papy Oli]

Segovia - 1950's American Recordings Vol.2

[Karl Henning]

Here goes an attempt at a complete survey in reverse order. We shall see ....

Myaskovsky
Symphony № 27 in c minor, Op. 85 (1949)
Russian State Symphony
Valery Polyansky

[brewski]

Martinů: Sinfonietta "La Jolla" (Prague Chamber Orchestra, 2006, live in Villach, Austria) - From the composer at his most charming and engaging. Many of his works have darker undercurrents, but this one is sunnier than most. The Prague ensemble, working without a conductor, sounds marvelous.

-Bruce

[Dry Brett Kavanaugh]

Béla Bartók: Piano Concerto No. 2. Anton Dikov, Dimiter Manolov/Sofia.

[Luke]

Maybe the joke's on him and we are not supposed to understand it.

I don't think so. This conversation occurred in the final stages of my journeying around the country for the book that I keep hinting at (sorry if it's getting annoying). I was outside PMD's house on Sanday, Orkney, when I was unexpectedly invited in by the current owner, who was PMD's carer in the last years of his life. The house was virtually unchanged, amazing to see, but it was the people who made it the deeply humbling and moving experience which I discuss properly in the book. But re the 6th: this very gentle and thoughtful man was devoted to Max, but he didn't like the big public events which came with it at all. He recalled attending a concert at the Cadogan Hall in London in which the 6th was performed, of how the music was met with general consternation in musically knowledgeable critics and listeners, whilst he, musically untrained, knew precisely what the symphony was doing: every twist and turn it takes is the musical equivalent of an event, a new view, a change of direction, a change of gradient etc. on the walks the composer used to take around Orkney. So, whilst sitting feeling somewhat socially awkward in the crowded concert hall, he was able to escape in his mind's eye back to a precise walk upon his remote home islands.

[Linz]

Bantock

[Harry]

A Fantastic disc, play it continuously!

[foxandpeng]

Maybe the joke's on him and we are not supposed to understand it. In any case, carved out enough time to listen to the brief middle movement. Something is starting to diffuse into my brain. Arresting harmonies and sonorities.

I don't think so. This conversation occurred in the final stages of my journeying around the country for the book that I keep hinting at (sorry if it's getting annoying). I was outside PMD's house on Sanday, Orkney, when I was unexpectedly invited in by the current owner, who was PMD's carer in the last years of his life. The house was virtually unchanged, amazing to see, but it was the people who made it the deeply humbling and moving experience which I discuss properly in the book. But re the 6th: this very gentle and thoughtful man was devoted to Max, but he didn't like the big public events which came with it at all. He recalled attending a concert at the Cadogan Hall in London in which the 6th was performed, of how the music was met with general consternation in musically knowledgeable critics and listeners, whilst he, musically untrained, knew precisely what the symphony was doing: every twist and turn it takes is the musical equivalent of an event, a new view, a change of direction, a change of gradient etc. on the walks the composer used to take around Orkney. So, whilst sitting feeling somewhat socially awkward in the crowded concert hall, he was able to escape in his mind's eye back to a precise walk upon his remote home islands.

This is immensely helpful, Luke. Thanks for sharing. Great story.

I do agree that with repeat listens the work begins to embed. Fascinating and rewarding. Keep going ... we will start a Peter Maxwell Davies revival at this rate.

I will make the banners.

[Lisztianwagner]

First listen to:

Ernst Krenek
String Quartet No.4

Sonare-Quartett

[Spotted Horses]

I don't think so. This conversation occurred in the final stages of my journeying around the country for the book that I keep hinting at (sorry if it's getting annoying). I was outside PMD's house on Sanday, Orkney, when I was unexpectedly invited in by the current owner, who was PMD's carer in the last years of his life. The house was virtually unchanged, amazing to see, but it was the people who made it the deeply humbling and moving experience which I discuss properly in the book. But re the 6th: this very gentle and thoughtful man was devoted to Max, but he didn't like the big public events which came with it at all. He recalled attending a concert at the Cadogan Hall in London in which the 6th was performed, of how the music was met with general consternation in musically knowledgeable critics and listeners, whilst he, musically untrained, knew precisely what the symphony was doing: every twist and turn it takes is the musical equivalent of an event, a new view, a change of direction, a change of gradient etc. on the walks the composer used to take around Orkney. So, whilst sitting feeling somewhat socially awkward in the crowded concert hall, he was able to escape in his mind's eye back to a precise walk upon his remote home islands.

That will give a context for thinking about it, at the very least. Perhaps your acquaintance should take a video recorder and retrace that walk, so we can at least see the scenery that inspired the music.

Now, how do I interpret the sort of grotesque dance-like music that appears at various points during the generally slow, severe and atmospheric second movement?

[Traverso]

Purcell

Come Ye Sons of Art    lovely music........

[Linz]

Tchaikovsky Swan Lake Op. 20, Wolfgang Sawallisch, Philadelphia Orchestra 2 CDs

[foxandpeng]

No.23, based on Caucasian folk tunes, is one of the most approachable, but still deeply-felt, composed when NYM was evacuated, along with his friend Prokofiev, during World War Two.

Your notes on Miaskovsky 23 are superlative, Jeffrey. They've really opened my eyes as well as helping open my ears. I also think this is one of my favourite symphonies so far. Miaskovsky's marshalling of folk songs and melodies is outstanding.

Listening again for the umpteenth time today.

[foxandpeng]

Here goes an attempt at a complete survey in reverse order. We shall see ....

Myaskovsky
Symphony № 27 in c minor, Op. 85 (1949)
Russian State Symphony
Valery Polyansky

If you do decide to do this, I'll be delighted. Now that I have a level of familiarity with all but the last few, it will give me an intelligent touchstone while I live with the cycle alongside other music for the next weeks.

[Todd]

Tip-top Mozart from the Prazak, some of the very best I've heard.  But not better than the formidable Armida Quartet, though different.  Call it a draw.  Lucky for the listener.

[Lisztianwagner]

Alexander Zemlinsky
Lyric Symphony

Debora Voigt (soprano), Bryn Terfel (baritone)
Giuseppe Sinopoli & Wiener Philharmoniker

[Que]

[Symphonic Addict]

Saint-Saëns: Piano Concerto No. 4
Magnard: Symphony No. 4

Committed performances of both works, but the sound quality is not the ideal in either case.

[Madiel]

Rewinding the first phases of the Haydn symphony randomiser but with different conductors. Because. Previn is conducting no.96 this time.

[foxandpeng]

Nicolai Miaskovsky
Complete Symphonies
Symphony 24
Svetlanov
State Academic Symphony Orchestra of Russia


First run at 24