What are you listening 2 now?

[JBS]

A composer far outside my comfort zone, alas.

I'm surprised to see you say that. He rarely goes for gnarly music; if any thing, he might be charged with being too bland.

TD
Repeating this set: right now the Mozart/Tchaikovsky CD

[Der lächelnde Schatten]

NP: Reich Different Trains



Fantastic performance! I might have to replay it.

[Der lächelnde Schatten]

Last work for the night --- Pärt Cantus in Memoriam Benjamin Britten

[steve ridgway]

Scelsi - Quattro Pezzi

[Harry]

Johann Gottlieb Graun.
Trio sonatas, WV A: XV: 13; WV Cv: XV: 100; WV Av: XV: 19; WV Av: XV: 23; WV Av: XV: 27.
Carl Heinrich Graun.
Trios for 2 Violins and Basso.
Les Amis de Philippe.
Recorded: 2006, Radio Bremen, Sendesaal, Germany.

A captivating selection of trio sonatas by Johann Gottlieb Graun and Carl Heinrich Graun—two brothers whose music bridged the Baroque and early Classical periods with both flair and grace. These works—drawn from Graun's extensive WV catalogue—showcase the finely balanced interplay between two violins and basso continuo. The music unfolds with conversational intimacy, marked by elegant counterpoint, poised melodic writing, and moments of expressive subtlety.
Les Amis de Philippe deliver superb performances of works that are both virtuosic and, in many ways, groundbreaking in their conception. These musicians perform like a well-oiled machine—intuitive, finely balanced, and united by a clear artistic purpose: to offer the most compelling interpretations possible. They are musical jugglers in the best sense, keeping all the voices in motion with precision and flair. The result is true chamber music: energetic, engaged, and alive, yet always tasteful—never overplayed or overwrought. There's a perfect tension maintained throughout, as if walking a tightrope with grace and ease. The sound quality deserves special praise. Captured in the beautifully resonant acoustics of the Sendesaal in Bremen, the recording offers clarity, warmth, and presence—an ideal setting for this refined repertoire. Though this may be an older release, it remains musically vital and should not be overlooked. For lovers of elegant, expressive chamber music, this is a rewarding and inspired listen.

[Lisztianwagner]

What a superb work! One of my all-time favourites (Honegger's music and Claudel's libretto).

How are you liking it, Ilaria? E buona sera a te...

Buenos dias, Rafael!

I've loved it, I agree Jeanne d'arc au Bücher is an extraordinary composition, such an impressive orchestration it has, beautifully combined with the dramatic acting (of course Claudel's libretto is also really brilliant, the play on words Cochon/Chauchon is a little good example of its high level); one of my all-time favourite Honegger's works too! Baudo/Czech Philharmonic is the recording I've found the most thrilling, are there some recordings you particularly appreciate instead?

[Traverso]

Buenos dias, Rafael!

I've loved it, I agree Jeanne d'arc au Bücher is an extraordinary composition, such an impressive orchestration it has, beautifully combined with the dramatic acting (of course Claudel's libretto is also really brilliant, the play on words Cochon/Chauchon is a little good example of its high level); one of my all-time favourite Honegger's works too! Baudo/Czech Philharmonic is the recording I've found the most thrilling, are there some recordings you particularly appreciate instead?

Indeed a superb work !

[Traverso]

Le Secret des Muses

[Harry]

Impressions Romantique.
Compositions by: Marie Jaël, Sonate in G minor , Hedwige Chretien, Lied (Soir d'Automne) and Three pieces for Cello and Piano, Louise Heritte-Viardot, Sonate in G minor, opus 40.
Duo Neria.
Natacha Colmez, Cello, Camille Belin, Piano.
Recorded: 2024 at the Hautes-Alpes, Studio Alys, France.

Three relatively unknown female composers—too long consigned to the shadows of history. Not because of any lack in musical quality, but rather due to the prejudices of past centuries: the outdated belief that women were incapable of creating serious music and should instead stay confined to domestic roles. How denigrating that must have felt. It still bothers me deeply. Thankfully, the tide is turning. These composers are slowly being rediscovered and performed more widely—and with considerable success. This recording features chamber music for cello and piano by three women I admire from beginning to end, and with good reason. Each demonstrates not only talent but an expressive voice that paints in the full spectrum of the rainbow. Their music is vivid, emotionally rich, and filled with the kind of detail that tells a personal, imaginative story. I've long been moved by the piano music of Marie Jaëll, and also by Louise Héritte-Viardot's Sonata in G minor, Op.40, it offers a perfect window into her compelling artistry which is charming, bold, and emotionally eloquent. Though Hedwige Chrétien is represented by only two too short works on this CD it's nevertheless a fine introduction that leaves me eager to hear more from her.
The performance by Duo Neria is exemplary: full of passion where called for, and inwardly reflective when the music demands it. There's a clear sense of synergy between the players, a shared understanding that brings depth to every phrase. The recording itself is clean and precise, though at times the cello can sound slightly muddled in forte passages, and the piano occasionally loses focus—perhaps due to over-pedalling or simply a recording issue. These are small issues, not deal-breakers, but noticeable nonetheless. Artistically, however, this is a fine release. A valuable recording that gives voice to composers who more than deserve their place in the spotlight.

[Harry]

Le Secret des Muses

Excellent choice.

[AnotherSpin]

[Harry]

First of all, an superb piece of artwork, and a fairly recent recording by Colin Booth I knew not of.
Any thoughts or impressions about this release Sergei?

[ritter]

Buenos dias, Rafael!

I've loved it, I agree Jeanne d'arc au Bücher is an extraordinary composition, such an impressive orchestration it has, beautifully combined with the dramatic acting (of course Claudel's libretto is also really brilliant, the play on words Cochon/Chauchon is a little good example of its high level); one of my all-time favourite Honegger's works too! Baudo/Czech Philharmonic is the recording I've found the most thrilling, are there some recordings you particularly appreciate instead?

Good day, Ilaria!  Thanks for the comments.

These were my thoughts (from a couple of years ago) on alternative recordings:

Most people find the Baudo recording on Supraphon excellent, but I'm not really that keen on it.

On DVD, I think this performance from Montpellier under Alain Altinoglu is excellent. Sylvie Testud is simply extraordinary as the Saint!

...



And on CD, I remain partial to the Ozawa on DG, live from Saint Denis, with Martha Keller.

[pjme]

Is it really so devilish? 

Gruess Gott, Rafael.!

Somewhere this rhapsody rang a (distant) bell....

first, I remembered that in 2014 the Monnaie orchestra performed Mascagnis music life to Nino Oxillias 1914 film:

" Rapsodia Satanica is a 1915 Italian silent film directed by Nino Oxilia featuring Lyda Borelli in a female version of Faust based on poems by Fausto Maria Martini. Pietro Mascagni wrote his only film music for the film and conducted the first performance in July 1917 " (Wiki).





Moreover I was (happily) surprised to read that in 1992 the village of Londerzeel (province of Flemish Brabant) had a youth orchestra that was capable of recording three works by Mascagni!
Apparently Londerzeel still has a flourishing musical life (fanfare, harmonies), but the symphony orchestra, I fear, no longer exists.

A piano version exists



P.

[Harry]

Julius Rontgen.
Chamber music.
See for details back cover.
ARC ensemble.
Recorded:April 2–4, 2007, Living Arts Centre, Mississauga, ON.

You may think I exaggerate when I call Julius Röntgen one of the greatest composers the Netherlands has ever produced—but I sincerely believe it. His output is astonishing: over 650 works, many of them masterful, whether large-scale or miniature. Some dismiss him as a conservative romantic, frozen in time. I disagree. Röntgen remained true to his musical voice—deeply expressive, rooted in lyricism, and never short on invention.
This beautifully recorded disc, made in 2007 by the superb **ARC Ensemble**, presents a compelling case for his stature. It features the **Piano Quintet in A minor**, **Trios for Clarinet and Piano**, a **Sonata in C minor**, **Sonatas for Viola and Piano**, and a **Sextet in C major**—many of which were recorded here for the first time. The performances are state-of-the-art: sensitive, dynamic, and full of character.
Röntgen was a true tone painter, a masterful orchestrator even in chamber settings. His music breathes, emotes, and captivates. Discovering his lesser-known works through this release is a joy—and a reminder that his creativity never faltered. Mediocrity simply wasn't in his vocabulary. This disc comes with the warmest recommendation.

[ritter]

Somewhere this rhapsody rang a (distant) bell....

first, I remembered that in 2014 the Monnaie orchestra performed Mascagnis music life to Nino Oxillias 1914 film:

" Rapsodia Satanica is a 1915 Italian silent film directed by Nino Oxilia featuring Lyda Borelli in a female version of Faust based on poems by Fausto Maria Martini. Pietro Mascagni wrote his only film music for the film and conducted the first performance in July 1917 " (Wiki).





Moreover I was (happily) surprised to read that in 1992 the village of Londerzeel (province of Flemish Brabant) had a youth orchestra that was capable of recording three works by Mascagni!
Apparently Londerzeel still has a flourishing musical life (fanfare, harmonies), but the symphony orchestra, I fear, no longer exists.

A piano version exists



P.

Very interesting, Peter. Dank u wel!

[foxandpeng]

Steve Reich
Collected Works
Different Trains
Kronos Quartet

Reich and Glass always feel helpful in the midst of busyness or stress. Their repetition and small evolutions require little active listening at times. Non-religious meditation 🧘�♂️

[AnotherSpin]

First of all, an superb piece of artwork, and a fairly recent recording by Colin Booth I knew not of.
Any thoughts or impressions about this release Sergei?

I like it. Colin Booth's The Melodious Byrde is a very musical and emotionally rich recording that uses three period instruments (two harpsichords and a virginal) to bring variety and authenticity, and what really struck me, as someone still new to early music, is how natural and unforced it all feels: Booth plays with sweetness, clarity, expressive phrasing, and true affection for the music, never rushing or over-interpreting, which makes it a wonderfully approachable.

[SonicMan46]

Taking Harry's lead and having listened to 4 volumes of String Trios yesterday:

Röntgen, Julius (1855-1932) - Chamber works for oboe, bassoon, & piano trio with the performers below - Dave

 

[VonStupp]

FJ Haydn
Symphony 76 in E-flat Major
Symphony 77 in B-flat Major
Symphony 78 in C minor
Austro-Hungarian HO - Ádám Fischer

VS