What are you listening 2 now?

[Der lächelnde Schatten]

I was surprised, shocked even, to hear that Mutter had reached her 62nd year. It doesn't seem that long ago a young lass rocking up with HVK.

And she's still turning heads. I think she also got better looking as she aged, but that's just me.

[Der lächelnde Schatten]

NP: Aho Oboe Concerto

[foxandpeng]

John Corigliano
Phantasmagoria
VC 'The Red Violin'
Joann Falletta
Buffalo PO
Naxos

Familiarising myself slowly with Corigliano's music when opportunity arises. Much to hear.

[Harry]

Nomade
Kleztory.
Airat Ichmouratov – clarinet, bass clarinet, duclar.
Elvira Misbakhova – violin, viola.
Mark Peetsma – double bass.
Mélanie Bergeron – accordion.
Dany Nicolas – guitar.
Recorded: 2006, Montreal, Venue unspecified.

I like most recordings by Kleztory, and this one is no exception. Nomade blends both instrumental and vocal tracks, some recorded live, with a vibrant, unfiltered energy that speaks straight to the listener, perhaps even to the most hard-hearted among us. There's a certain passion and rawness in its expression, but it's never forced or overdone. It feels natural, even cathartic.
Kleztory's style is rooted in traditional klezmer, but it stretches confidently into jazz, classical, and world music—fueled by virtuosity, a deep understanding of their material, and a willingness to blur stylistic lines. The result is a rich emotional palette: joyful, melancholic, fiery, tender.
For me, this album is a bit like life itself, a mix of sweet and sour, where the acidity never turns harsh. The balance is just right, and Nomade makes a perfect conclusion to a busy listening day. The recording quality is quite decent, warm and open, and the live moments add spontaneity rather than distraction. I even recall that this CD won a prize, though I can't quite say which, perhaps it doesn't matter. What does matter is that the music speaks, with honesty and heart.

[Harry]

John Corigliano
Phantasmagoria
VC 'The Red Violin'
Joann Falletta
Buffalo PO
Naxos

Familiarising myself slowly with Corigliano's music when opportunity arises. Much to hear.

A composer far outside my comfort zone, alas.

[AnotherSpin]

[VonStupp]

Benjamin Britten
Cello Suite 1, op. 72
Cello Suite 2, op. 80
Cello Suite 3, op. 87
Rohan de Saram, cello

I am winding down my Britten listening for a while, but, with a helpful reminder from @Der lächelnde Schatten , am finishing with his Cello Suites and soon the Cello Sonata.

The late Rohan de Saram was the cellist in the Arditti Quartet.
VS

[foxandpeng]

A composer far outside my comfort zone, alas.

I will let you know how I get on after a few different compositions

[Linz]

Franz Schubert Sympphony No. 5 in B flat major D 485
Sympphony No. 9 in C major "Great"  D 944
Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks, Eugen Jochum

[Spotted Horses]

I diverted from my listening to Wellesz Symphonies to list to his Piano Concerto.



The best work of Wellesz I have heard, perhaps.

[Florestan]

Orchestral music by Pietro Mascagni: Rapsodia satanica,

Is it really so devilish? 

Gruess Gott, Rafael.!

[Que]

[...] I must admit I'm drawn to the sound of older instruments, those slightly worn by time, with a touch of irregularity in their tone — rather than the gleaming, splendid machines of more recent vintage.

Same! 

What these older instruments give is intimacy & character.

[Florestan]

Same! 

What these older instruments give is intimacy & character.

But you have to take into account that back then they were brand new... 

[Que]

But you have to take into account that back then they were brand new... 

I do not think that they sounded that much different.
I think these qualities are the product of the era in which they were built, and not of their age (as such).

[Dry Brett Kavanaugh]

I was surprised, shocked even, to hear that Mutter had reached her 62nd year. It doesn't seem that long ago a young lass rocking up with HVK.

Madam Mutter has occasionally been seen at a sushi restaurant in the Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo!

[Florestan]

I do not think that they sounded that much different.
I think these qualities are the product of the era in which they were built, and not of their age (as such).

Sure, but I doubt that contemporary instrument makers don't go for quality in their products too --- in fact, I'm sure that in AD 2300 someone on GMG will write: Ah, they don't make pianos like in the 2000s anymore, a 2025 Steinway, slightly worn by time and irregular in its tone, has such an intimacy and character...  

[brewski]

Anuj Bhutani: On Letting Go (Ashley Bathgate, cello and live electronics). After meeting Bhutani a few weeks ago, he pointed me to this piece, written for Bathgate in 2021 and using live electronics. Finding it very appealing, and looking forward to hearing more of his work.

[SonicMan46]

Röntgen, Julius (1855-1932) - String Trios w/ the Lendvai String Trio - four volumes for the afternoon - Dave
.

[Symphonic Addict]

Price: Violin Concertos and Piano Concerto

A very nice, harmless first violin concerto, perhaps too traditional for my taste, but it is lovely. Nonetheless, things get a lot better with her more piquant second violin concerto and quasi heroic piano concerto. Phenomenal pieces those two.

[Florestan]

Röntgen, Julius (1855-1932) - String Trios w/ the Lendvai String Trio - four volumes for the afternoon - Dave
.

Excellent music, superb performance, splendid performers.