Langgaard's Lyre

Started by karlhenning, April 25, 2007, 11:43:15 AM

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J.Z. Herrenberg

#100
May 30, 2009, 06:03:28 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on May 30, 2009, 05:28:07 AM
I think I've run into those comments on a time, Colin.

At this point, I have heard not quite half of the symphonies, and a fairly broad chronological sampling.  I'm keen to hear all the rest, too.

Which symphonies have you heard, Karl?
Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything. -- Plato

karlhenning

#101
May 30, 2009, 06:07:48 AM
Nos. 4, 6, 10, 12, 13 & 14, Johan.

karlhenning

#102
May 30, 2009, 01:35:46 PM
Also the marvelous Music of the Spheres, of course.  And a disc of short organ pieces which I enjoy a great deal.

J.Z. Herrenberg

#103
May 30, 2009, 02:21:43 PM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on May 30, 2009, 01:35:46 PM
Also the marvelous Music of the Spheres, of course.  And a disc of short organ pieces which I enjoy a great deal.

Care for a few other symphonies, Karl? 2, 3, 9 and 16 are excellent.
Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything. -- Plato

karlhenning

#104
May 30, 2009, 02:22:51 PM
Well, I'm saving up for the box, Johan. I do expect I should like the lot.

Wanderer

#105
May 30, 2009, 03:00:32 PM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on May 30, 2009, 02:22:51 PM
Well, I'm saving up for the box, Johan. I do expect I should like the lot.

Speaking of which, mdt still hasn't dispatched mine (maybe Dacapo didn't anticipate the demand and there's a problem re-stocking its vendors?); so, Karl, take your time...  ;D

karlhenning

#106
May 31, 2009, 02:26:16 PM
(Takes note . . . .)

Lethevich

#107
June 06, 2009, 06:10:21 AM Last Edit: June 06, 2009, 06:12:42 AM by Lethe
I've been listening to the Danacord recordings once again, and I am again deeply impressed by the Artur Rubinstein Philharmonic. For an orchestra that almost nobody has heard of these are first class performances. When I initially saw the years of recording (1991-2) memories of Naxos efforts from that era with central European orchestras concerned me, but these recordings are a world apart. Not only technically assured, but played with great heart - this coupled with the sheer instrumental heft behind some sections really advocate these works in the best way possible. Rued is extremely lucky to have had such a fine series of recordings dedicated to him, let alone two after the later DaCapo cycle!

After a re-listen, the "nationalist" works (I listened to nos.7 and 9, omitting 8 for some reason) are very fine indeed. Their principle virtue is their brevity: when played back to back they (edit: 7 and 9) end within 40 minutes and leave me wishing for more. This feature is all the more remarkable due to the very nature of programmatic national works tending to encourage the overblown, padded and self-consciously grand. These on the other hand are economic with their ideas, feeling more like character pieces or almost miniatures at times. There are a few moments of overblown nature, but this is inherent in the composer's style and without them they would be less interesting works.

I am also getting more of a handle on the middle works now - I very much enjoyed nos.5 and 6 in a way that I did not before, drawn as I was to his stormy 10, 11 and 15.
Peanut butter, flour and sugar do not make cookies. They make FIRE.

J.Z. Herrenberg

#108
June 06, 2009, 08:58:44 AM
Quote from: Lethe on June 06, 2009, 06:10:21 AM
I've been listening to the Danacord recordings once again, and I am again deeply impressed by the Artur Rubinstein Philharmonic. For an orchestra that almost nobody has heard of these are first class performances. When I initially saw the years of recording (1991-2) memories of Naxos efforts from that era with central European orchestras concerned me, but these recordings are a world apart. Not only technically assured, but played with great heart - this coupled with the sheer instrumental heft behind some sections really advocate these works in the best way possible. Rued is extremely lucky to have had such a fine series of recordings dedicated to him, let alone two after the later DaCapo cycle!

Couldn't agree more. These are fiery, exhilarating performances, that outshine (IMO) some of Dausgaard's (e.g. 3rd, 10th, 13th, 16th).

QuoteAfter a re-listen, the "nationalist" works (I listened to nos.7 and 9, omitting 8 for some reason) are very fine indeed. Their principle virtue is their brevity: when played back to back they (edit: 7 and 9) end within 40 minutes and leave me wishing for more. This feature is all the more remarkable due to the very nature of programmatic national works tending to encourage the overblown, padded and self-consciously grand. These on the other hand are economic with their ideas, feeling more like character pieces or almost miniatures at times. There are a few moments of overblown nature, but this is inherent in the composer's style and without them they would be less interesting works.

I like 7, but I have a special fondness for 9. As you say (spot on!), the movements feel like 'character pieces' or 'miniatures'. They are short, satisfying and to the point, and instantly create a mood. I think these nationalist works point forward to the 'suite' that is No. 14, btw. And the opening of No. 7 is completely reworked and expanded in No. 13, of course.
Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything. -- Plato

Dundonnell

#109
June 06, 2009, 10:00:46 AM
It is nice to know that the Danacord performances rate so well. Saves me from the very considerable expense of investing in the Da Capo :)

Catison

#110
June 08, 2009, 01:59:05 AM
I am finally getting into this composer.  Symphony No. 1 is up and so far it is enjoyable, but I think there are more exciting things ahead.
-Brett

karlhenning

#111
June 12, 2009, 07:20:33 AM
Quote from: Catison on June 08, 2009, 01:59:05 AM
I am finally getting into this composer.  Symphony No. 1 is up and so far it is enjoyable, but I think there are more exciting things ahead.

Keep us posted!

Lethevich

#112
June 15, 2009, 03:14:21 AM
Does anybody have some recs beyond the commonly mentioned "core" recordings of the two complete cycles and Antikrist?

How is the Chandos CD of 4-5-6 for example? Are his piano works much cop?
Peanut butter, flour and sugar do not make cookies. They make FIRE.

Dundonnell

#113
June 15, 2009, 03:59:11 AM
The Chandos/Neeme Jarvi version of Nos. 4, 5 and 6 is excellent in my opinion....but then I am a great admirer of Neeme Jarvi's work and I am not a huge Langgaard fan....so what do I know ;D ;D

J.Z. Herrenberg

#114
June 15, 2009, 12:04:09 PM
Quote from: Dundonnell on June 15, 2009, 03:59:11 AM
The Chandos/Neeme Jarvi version of Nos. 4, 5 and 6 is excellent in my opinion....but then I am a great admirer of Neeme Jarvi's work and I am not a huge Langgaard fan....so what do I know ;D ;D

You know enough to recognize quality... Järvi is excellent, especially in the 4th - the best performance on CD, IMO. Another great Chandos CD is of Music of the Spheres, with Rozhdestvensky.
Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything. -- Plato

Christo

#115
June 15, 2009, 12:10:35 PM
Quote from: Jezetha on June 15, 2009, 12:04:09 PM
You know enough to recognize quality... Järvi is excellent, especially in the 4th - the best performance on CD, IMO. Another great Chandos CD is of Music of the Spheres, with Rozhdestvensky.

Acknowledgement of my fine taste too  ;)  0:) - as these are exactly the two Langgaard cd's that I happen to own (except for a dvd with Antikrist).  0:)
... music is not only an 'entertainment', nor a mere luxury, but a necessity of the spiritual if not of the physical life, an opening of those magic casements through which we can catch a glimpse of that country where ultimate reality will be found.    RVW, 1948

Keemun

#116
June 15, 2009, 12:34:38 PM
I have only heard two of Langgaard's symphonies, 1 (Dausgaard) and 4 (Stupel).  I really like them and probably would have heard more of his work if I hadn't canceled my eMusic account.  :)
Music is the mediator between the spiritual and the sensual life. - Ludwig van Beethoven

Brian

#117
June 15, 2009, 01:05:28 PM
Quote from: Keemun on June 15, 2009, 12:34:38 PM
I have only heard two of Langgaard's symphonies, 1 (Dausgaard) and 4 (Stupel).  I really like them and probably would have heard more of his work if I hadn't canceled my eMusic account.  :)
Yeah, eMusic is a great way to dig into Langgaard - any time I have an extra download, I get one of the 1-mvt symphonies. Discovered No. 4 that way. Next up: No. 13, "Subfaith."

Scarpia

#118
June 15, 2009, 01:36:10 PM
Have that Langgaard symphony set in my "shopping cart" and was about to pull the trigger until I saw this thread.  Phew, close call! 

karlhenning

#119
July 06, 2009, 05:44:53 AM
Love the disc of shorter organ works.

Need more!
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