The U.S.A. Exploration Thread

Papy Oli · April 18, 2023, 07:03:34 AM

Quote from: Karl Henning on April 18, 2023, 07:02:33 AMI like all three so well, I don't think I could pick a favorite. Follow your own whim.

Fair enough, I shall

Dry Brett Kavanaugh · April 18, 2023, 08:21:10 AM

Quote from: Mapman on April 14, 2023, 03:28:21 PMBeach: Gaelic Symphony, Op. 32
Järvi: Detroit

The first movement seemed fairly average for a romantic symphony of its time. However, the other three movements gave me a more positive impression. The highlight of my first listen was the 2nd movement, an interesting slow movement/scherzo hybrid, which has a wonderful duet for oboe and English horn. There's other lovely woodwind writing, including a bass clarinet solo in the 3rd movement. I'm glad I finally listened to this.

I just wanted to mention that Beach was a synesthete. Wagner, Liszt, and Messiaen too.

Mandryka · April 18, 2023, 09:45:46 AM

I think you may like Jonathan Berger's The Lead Plates of the ROM Press

Daverz · April 18, 2023, 02:37:31 PM

Quote from: Papy Oli on April 18, 2023, 06:33:31 AMAs for "the typewriter", would that be the tune that Jerry Lewis used in one of his famous sketches ?

Yes, according to Wikipedia:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Typewriter#In_popular_culture

Papy Oli · April 19, 2023, 06:43:48 AM

John Luther Adams did not hit the mark for me. "Become River" was more than long enough at 15 minutes, I just couldn't sustain 40-odd minutes for Become Ocean or Become desert. I didn't have much more success with Wind in High Places. That sort of style did not work for me.

It is not dissimilar to the "other" Adams but the latter has in parts more variations within those "monotonous" works to sustain the interest (mine at least).

I am trying Antheil right now - Ballet Mécanique & A Jazz Symphony.

Good fun so far, although a bit weird to hear De Leeuw going all guns blazing on those works when I only know him via the slowest Satie possible

PS: the two sonatas, however, were too harsh for my liking.

Papy Oli · April 19, 2023, 07:50:22 AM

Amy Beach - Sonata for violin and piano in A minor

Sometimes, the decision is simple: this will have to find its way in my collection.

Karl Henning · April 19, 2023, 08:07:23 AM

Quote from: Papy Oli on April 19, 2023, 06:43:48 AMJohn Luther Adams did not hit the mark for me. "Become River" was more than long enough at 15 minutes, I just couldn't sustain 40-odd minutes for Become Ocean or Become desert. I didn't have much more success with Wind in High Places. That sort of style did not work for me.

It is not dissimilar to the "other" Adams but the latter has in parts more variations within those "monotonous" works to sustain the interest (mine at least).

I am trying Antheil right now - Ballet Mécanique & A Jazz Symphony.

Good fun so far, although a bit weird to hear De Leeuw going all guns blazing on those works when I only know him via the slowest Satie possible

PS: the two sonatas, however, were too harsh for my liking.

Love the Ballet Mécanique & A Jazz Symphony. My Jn Luther Adams curiosity purchase was Become Ocean. An additional element of curiosity turned on the fact that Ludovic Morlot had been an assistant conductor at the BSO. He stepped in at the last-ish moment to lead an undistinguished performance of the Beethoven Op. 125. But in fairness one cannot let that kind of circumstantial event "brand" an emerging conductor. FWIW Become Ocean didn't do it for me.

foxandpeng · April 19, 2023, 02:22:12 PM

Quote from: Papy Oli on April 19, 2023, 06:43:48 AMI am trying Antheil right now - Ballet Mécanique & A Jazz Symphony.

Antheil. Symphonies. Storgårds. Glorious stuff.

Papy Oli · April 22, 2023, 04:55:35 AM

Quote from: Karl Henning on April 19, 2023, 08:07:23 AMLove the Ballet Mécanique & A Jazz Symphony.

My Jn Luther Adams curiosity purchase was Become Ocean....FWIW Become Ocean didn't do it for me.

These 2 Antheil works did it for me; on the other hand, I didn't enjoy the 2 violin sonatas at all.

For Luther Adams, it felt intriguing at start but it never really moved on from there $:-\$

Papy Oli · April 22, 2023, 04:56:15 AM

Quote from: foxandpeng on April 19, 2023, 02:22:12 PMAntheil. Symphonies. Storgårds. Glorious stuff.

In the queue, Danny

Papy Oli · April 22, 2023, 05:28:37 AM

Robert Beaser - Guitar Concerto

This work has its moments after quite a tense, angry 1st movement. The third movement was quite attention-grabbing, Not sure this would be a work I would return to, though.

On the same CD, the solo guitar work Notes on a Southern Sky should appeal to the fans of the genre.

Karl Henning · April 22, 2023, 07:14:11 AM

Quote from: Papy Oli on April 22, 2023, 04:55:35 AMThese 2 Antheil works did it for me; on the other hand, I didn't enjoy the 2 violin sonatas at all.

For Luther Adams, it felt intriguing at start but it never really moved on from there $:-\$

I don't know the violin sonatas. A potential curiosity listen at some point?...

Papy Oli · April 23, 2023, 02:17:49 AM

Really enjoyed that Antheil 4th on Chandos yesterday. I look forward to discovering the others symphonies.

Papy Oli · May 06, 2023, 02:32:55 PM

Tried some of Bolcom's songs but that wasn't for me.

Listening to Mason Bates' Mothership now. Mix of electronic and classical. Like the style so far.

Papy Oli · May 31, 2023, 01:52:12 PM

Matthew Aucoin - Piano Concerto

That hasn't done much for me $:-\$

Papy Oli · June 02, 2023, 05:00:16 AM

Spent a bit of time with Bolcom's Piano Rags.

The Myer felt no more than a pleasant background music, lacking a bit of life.

The Hamelin however seemed to have the right oomph and jest that you would seek for in that style of works. It goes in the Hyperion wish-list.

hat-tip to @VonStupp .