GMG Classical Music Forum

I was very surprised that this composer appears not to have featured yet. I have been listening to his fine wartime Second Symphony (generally considered the best one). The second movement is especially beautiful I think. Piston has a reputation for writing rather dry and 'academic' music but, where the emotion comes through (as in the second movement of Symphony 2), it is all the more affecting for it. Other works I know and like are Symphony No 4, The Incredible Flautist (his best-known work) and the Three New England Sketches, the last one of which 'Mountains' opens just like Vaughan Williams's contemporaneous 9th Symphony of 1958. The Piston Delos CDs are now on Naxos and the one featuring symphonies 2 and 6 would be a good starting point for anyone wanting to investigate this fine composer.

The 2nd Symphony and the two violin concertos are favorites of mine. I was lucky enough to hear the symphony performed in Chicago several years ago - one of the great American symphonies.

Beyond those pieces, the limited amount of Piston I've heard hasn't impressed me as much. I had the chamber music on Naxos, but got rid of it - too dry and yes, "academic."

Quote from: Velimir on April 04, 2010, 02:53:41 AM
The 2nd Symphony and the two violin concertos are favorites of mine. I was lucky enough to hear the symphony performed in Chicago several years ago - one of the great American symphonies.

Beyond those pieces, the limited amount of Piston I've heard hasn't impressed me as much. I had the chamber music on Naxos, but got rid of it - too dry and yes, "academic."

I'd think you would also enjoy Symphony No. 4.  Munch did a great recording of Symphony No. 6 for RCA.  The Tilson Thomas recording is definitely the one to have for the 2nd.

(http://s.ecrater.com/stores/34553/46c618a534f17_34553n.jpg)

I like the string quartets very much (there are five) as well as the orchestral works.  I have the Portland String Quartet doing all of them.

(http://image.allmusic.com/00/acg/cov200/cl400/l451/l45123fdpoc.jpg)

Quote from: Daverz on April 04, 2010, 04:25:59 AM
I'd think you would also enjoy Symphony No. 4.  Munch did a great recording of Symphony No. 6 for RCA.  The Tilson Thomas recording is definitely the one to have for the 2nd.

I had the Naxos recording of No. 4, but wasn't too impressed. The recording you show does interest me, though mainly for the Martinu 6th.

Symphony 2 is I think his best, and the others are all in way variations on its theme - they all have good moments and though are variably successful - some are quite dull, while others are far more engaging and beautiful. I don't think he ever did better than no.2 though.

I really like the piano quartet and keep meaning to hear the string quartets.

Quote from: Velimir on April 04, 2010, 09:10:19 AM
I had the Naxos recording of No. 4, but wasn't too impressed.

I blame Schwarz.  Keep an eye out for the Ormandy recording.

Quote
The recording you show does interest me, though mainly for the Martinu 6th.

It's the best recording of the Martinu, too.  Fabulous RCA stereo sound.

Quote from: Daverz on April 04, 2010, 04:01:53 PM
I blame Schwarz.  Keep an eye out for the Ormandy recording.

It's the best recording of the Martinu, too.  Fabulous RCA stereo sound.

Well, guess that I may join this thread since I own 4 CDs of Piston's music, including 2 w/ Schwarz on the Delos label (i.e. Symphonies 2,4,6 et al) - I've been quite impressed w/ this conductor of the Delos label and his 'American' recordings - believe that I should re-listen to these recordings - been a while.  My other 2 recordings are on Naxos, Violin Concertos & Chamber Music - looking forward to more posts - Dave  :)

The thread has inspired a Pistonethon.  The Viola Concerto, the Symphonies 5, 7 & 8; and the String Quartet No. 5.  Maybe I'm easy to please, but I enjoy all the symphonies.  These Whitney/Louisville Orchestra recordings are quite good.

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41N5WXWQQTL._SL500_AA300_.jpg) (http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/ciu/47/37/7035228348a00650d4f04110.L._AA300_.jpg) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41EWVQ4WD6L._SL500_AA300_.jpg)

Quote from: Daverz on April 04, 2010, 08:24:20 PM
The thread has inspired a Pistonethon.  The Viola Concerto, the Symphonies 5, 7 & 8; and the String Quartet No. 5.  Maybe I'm easy to please, but I enjoy all the symphonies.  These Whitney/Louisville Orchestra recordings are quite good.

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41N5WXWQQTL._SL500_AA300_.jpg) (http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/ciu/47/37/7035228348a00650d4f04110.L._AA300_.jpg) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41EWVQ4WD6L._SL500_AA300_.jpg)

Hope the Pistonethon is going well! Thanks for all replies.  Yes, the MTT Piston Symphony No 2 is a great performance (a great CD generally with Ruggles's 'Sun Treader' and Ives's 'Three Paces in New England'). I also like Symphony No 4 and the Three New England Sketches - I must listen to the violin concertos and the chamber music.

It's getting pretty tight around here coming up with composers who still have no thread, haha. I'm jealous! :P



An interesting consensus is emerging. I have given Piston(i) every chance, and find the same kind of mixed bag everyone else seems to have found also. My LEAST FAVORITE Piston would be the symphs 5,,7,8 (Albany). I like No.2 (DG), very Sibelian, and, I've heard really good things about No.3, but when I heard snippets i wasn't all that impressed. Gernally, I'm not a fan of Piston's symphs.



No one has mentioned the classic NAXOS disc of Violin Concertos 1-2. Everyone likes that!!



However, the Concerto for 2Pianos has a vaughn-Williams slow mvmt that is perfect. I've also heard good things about the Viola Concerto. Also, the smaller items, such as the Cello Variations, and the piece for orchestra and SQ, and the p[iece for harp and english horn(?), have been on the list for a while. I notice nobody has yet mentioned The Incredible Flautist, Piuston's most famous piece.



I have the NAXOS chamber disc, and, for once, I really looove the 'dry academism' of the String Sextet and the Piano Quartet. I especially like the dry Sextet. These pieces exemplify the 'hardening of the language' that I always go on about, that composers from Bloch to Malipiero to Villa-Lobos to Hindemith experienced. Of course, I understand why one wouldn't like these pieces, but, SOMEBODY has to write some dry stuff, or there wouldn't be any! :'( ;D

The NAXOS disc also includes the Piano Quintet, maybe Piston's masterpiece. The piece begins with a purposeful minor-sixth type of rolling figure that has some nice power behind it. I'd put this right up there with the Bloch No.1 as the greatest PQ of the 20th cent. Also, the Quintet for Flute and SQ is a nice early piece.

I have also been interested in his Wind Quintet, another early piece (and also another wind trio), though it's hard to find cheap. And,... there is a nice Sonata for Violin & Harpsicord that I like.



I also have the SQ No.5 on the VOX, for which Piston won the Pulitzer. I would like to hear the rest.



Well, no one seems to like everything Piston wrote, but, no one is completely dismissing him either. For those of you who are curious, let this thread be your guide. I recommend:

Sym No.2: generally considered the best sym

Syms 4/6: who HASN'T heard these Delos/Naxos discs???

Concerto for 2Pianos: perfect neoclassicism

Violin Concertos 1-2, Viola Concerto + smaller, one-mvmt concertos: to round out the academism...

Naxos Chamber Disc: I love, some don't,... but you'll like the Piano Quintet.

SQs: natch



I did my Piston homework a looong time ago. Generally, he is my least fav of the usual American suspects, but, he has some jewels in there. You don't have to go through the whole she'bang like we did: just trust the thread!

Quote from: snyprrr on April 05, 2010, 05:50:05 AM
It's getting pretty tight around here coming up with composers who still have no thread, haha. I'm jealous! :P



An interesting consensus is emerging. I have given Piston(i) every chance, and find the same kind of mixed bag everyone else seems to have found also. My LEAST FAVORITE Piston would be the symphs 5,,7,8 (Albany). I like No.2 (DG), very Sibelian, and, I've heard really good things about No.3, but when I heard snippets i wasn't all that impressed. Gernally, I'm not a fan of Piston's symphs.



No one has mentioned the classic NAXOS disc of Violin Concertos 1-2. Everyone likes that!!



However, the Concerto for 2Pianos has a vaughn-Williams slow mvmt that is perfect. I've also heard good things about the Viola Concerto. Also, the smaller items, such as the Cello Variations, and the piece for orchestra and SQ, and the p[iece for harp and english horn(?), have been on the list for a while. I notice nobody has yet mentioned The Incredible Flautist, Piuston's most famous piece.



I have the NAXOS chamber disc, and, for once, I really looove the 'dry academism' of the String Sextet and the Piano Quartet. I especially like the dry Sextet. These pieces exemplify the 'hardening of the language' that I always go on about, that composers from Bloch to Malipiero to Villa-Lobos to Hindemith experienced. Of course, I understand why one wouldn't like these pieces, but, SOMEBODY has to write some dry stuff, or there wouldn't be any! :'( ;D

The NAXOS disc also includes the Piano Quintet, maybe Piston's masterpiece. The piece begins with a purposeful minor-sixth type of rolling figure that has some nice power behind it. I'd put this right up there with the Bloch No.1 as the greatest PQ of the 20th cent. Also, the Quintet for Flute and SQ is a nice early piece.

I have also been interested in his Wind Quintet, another early piece (and also another wind trio), though it's hard to find cheap. And,... there is a nice Sonata for Violin & Harpsicord that I like.



I also have the SQ No.5 on the VOX, for which Piston won the Pulitzer. I would like to hear the rest.



Well, no one seems to like everything Piston wrote, but, no one is completely dismissing him either. For those of you who are curious, let this thread be your guide. I recommend:

Sym No.2: generally considered the best sym

Syms 4/6: who HASN'T heard these Delos/Naxos discs???

Concerto for 2Pianos: perfect neoclassicism

Violin Concertos 1-2, Viola Concerto + smaller, one-mvmt concertos: to round out the academism...

Naxos Chamber Disc: I love, some don't,... but you'll like the Piano Quintet.

SQs: natch



I did my Piston homework a looong time ago. Generally, he is my least fav of the usual American suspects, but, he has some jewels in there. You don't have to go through the whole she'bang like we did: just trust the thread!

Thanks for this interesting and very informative post. Clearly I must listen to the Piano Quintet as I rate the Bloch work very highly indeed. I thought that there was already a Piston thread to which I wanted to contribute having been really enjoying his Symphony No 2 - maybe there was one on the old forum.  I am listening to and enjoying Symphony No 4 (Ormandy/Albany CD). The Symphony No 2 has, IMHO, two wonderful moments, the haunting 'last post' type section at the end of the first movement and the section about 5 minutes and 20 seconds into the second movement (in the MTT DGG recording). The dance like tune in the second movement of Symphony 4 reminded me a bit of Malcolm Arnold! I must look out, from what you say, for the Concerto for Two Pianos. I hope that I may like it as much as the equivalent VW, Lennox Berkeley and Malcolm Arnold works.

I do like The Incredible Flautist, which has some lovely, poetic sections. I have now given this thread a racier title in tribute  ;D

the Piano quintet is really lovely but I don't think its a truly Great work - I'm surprised you rate it so highly. I do really like it though!

Quote from: vandermolen on April 04, 2010, 01:27:45 AM
Piston has a reputation for writing rather dry and 'academic' music...."

Really? Piston? Where have you seen evidence of this reputation? (I mean other than in this very thread, of course!)

I would never have thought that Piston would have ever gotten this reputation. Babbitt may be (though even there, I wouldn't agree with that assessment--I just understand better with Babbitt how that reputation could have arisen).

I'm just now listening to the Naxos chamber music disc. The quintet is on right now. What a lovely and delightful work that is, to be sure!! (As are all the other works on this CD. A real treat.) It makes me wonder about what things some of the other posters listen to. What they're used to compared to which the always engaging Piston could possibly be called dry or hard or academic. (The string sextet exemplifying a hardening of the language? Really? That warm, ingratiating bit of loveliness? Hmmmm.)

Otherwise, what is up with this respelling? The Incredible Flautist? It's The Incredible Flutist everywhere else in the world! And while the suite may be his most popular piece, there's only one recording of the ballet (and has only ever been just the one, so far as I know). It is in every way a more interesting piece of music than the suite, which makes for a very different experience from the ballet--much more so than that given by the Copland Rodeo suite or the Bartók suite from Miraculous Mandarin. (There are sixteen copies listed on Amazon, new and used. It's the Louisville Orchestra with Jorge Mester one.)

What got me into Walter Piston was his Symphony 8.  It is a real mysterious crawler, superbly imaginative use of the orchestra for one who has been accused of being 'dry'.

But I don't have any program notes so you'll have to put up with my havering.

It is a symphony which reflects some kind of lost yearning in a musical stream which sounds like Bartok in some places.  This work has a habit of taking you by the hand and leading you through some places where danger may be close by, but the music itself confronts and conquers it at each turn.
If you want to go on a wee journey where music is your lover, protector and illuminator, this is it.

The body of music by Piston that I have tells me he is BY FAR the most listenable and enjoyable of all American composers I kmow of.  Why this stuff isn't paraded around Europe as part of our staple Classical diet I don't know....

Quote from: John on April 07, 2010, 12:56:43 AM
The body of music by Piston that I have tells me he is BY FAR the most listenable and enjoyable of all American composers I kmow of.  Why this stuff isn't paraded around Europe as part of our staple Classical diet I don't know....

Barber's better?

So for that matter is Copland and possibly Schuman. Ives goes without saying. Barber's in the same sort of line of misty eyed nostalgia and ravishing beauty, but there's a greater imagination, far less second rate material and a far greater gift for melody. Too many of Piston's fast movements are perfunctory.

I hate to be the naysayer on this thread as I do really like Piston, but people are making very large claims for this composer!

It doesn't go without saying at all.  I'm saying it.
:P
I have amassed a fair corpus of American Classical Music, most of them famous for one or two things (Barber - Adagio, Copland - Fanfare,  etc, etc) - Piston is famous for nothing, not in Europe anyway.  I find this unsettling because his work is of a distinctive type which is not as narrow as many think.  It is mindscape evocative.
It is in the music.

Quote from: some guy on April 06, 2010, 10:19:38 PM
Really? Piston? Where have you seen evidence of this reputation? (I mean other than in this very thread, of course!)

I would never have thought that Piston would have ever gotten this reputation. Babbitt may be (though even there, I wouldn't agree with that assessment--I just understand better with Babbitt how that reputation could have arisen).

I'm just now listening to the Naxos chamber music disc. The quintet is on right now. What a lovely and delightful work that is, to be sure!! (As are all the other works on this CD. A real treat.) It makes me wonder about what things some of the other posters listen to. What they're used to compared to which the always engaging Piston could possibly be called dry or hard or academic. (The string sextet exemplifying a hardening of the language? Really? That warm, ingratiating bit of loveliness? Hmmmm.)

Otherwise, what is up with this respelling? The Incredible Flautist? It's The Incredible Flutist everywhere else in the world! And while the suite may be his most popular piece, there's only one recording of the ballet (and has only ever been just the one, so far as I know). It is in every way a more interesting piece of music than the suite, which makes for a very different experience from the ballet--much more so than that given by the Copland Rodeo suite or the Bartók suite from Miraculous Mandarin. (There are sixteen copies listed on Amazon, new and used. It's the Louisville Orchestra with Jorge Mester one.)

Yes, should be 'Flutist' - my mistake. Interestingly I recently bought a boxed set of recordings  by the Russian/Soviet conductor Alexander Gauk (vol 2) and see that it includes Piston's 6th Symphony - am looking forward to hearing this.

Quote from: Guido on April 06, 2010, 04:17:42 PM
the Piano quintet is really lovely but I don't think its a truly Great work - I'm surprised you rate it so highly. I do really like it though!

Really, it's the first mvmt. that has that cool, minor-sixth rocking theme. I'm not saying it's in the same league as the Bloch no.1 (what is?,...except Bloch SQ No.1, haha), but the literature for the lion of chamber music is not is everyone's face, so, I will give him any weaknesses in the other mvmts (if there are any,...I will listen later). I mean, what PQ 20th century masterpieces are there after Shosty and Bloch and Martinu? I just think the theme of Piston's first mvmt (simple rocking minor-sixth,... that expectant sound of intrigue!) is pure ingenuity. What other famous piece uses this theme?

Quote from: some guy on April 06, 2010, 10:19:38 PM

I'm just now listening to the Naxos chamber music disc. The quintet is on right now. What a lovely and delightful work that is, to be sure!! (As are all the other works on this CD. A real treat.) It makes me wonder about what things some of the other posters listen to. What they're used to compared to which the always engaging Piston could possibly be called dry or hard or academic. (The string sextet exemplifying a hardening of the language? Really? That warm, ingratiating bit of loveliness? Hmmmm.)

ok, Hindemith's late Octet is what I would use as the perfect example of I think happened to most all composers of the generation (to varying degrees). Bloch, Malipiero, Villa-Lobos, Chavez,...mmm,...who else?...

I mean, I particularly like that Piston Sextet because it exhibits for me just the exact proper amount of saturated tang in every measure. And, it has probably Pisdton's most profound slow mvmt. Maybe I find the Piano Quartet a better example ( once again, I will have to listen tomorrow).

But yes, why not? Listen to the early Flute Quintet, and compare to the late music. Of course there is a,... well, in Piston's case I wouldn't use the word 'hardening',...but he certainly was still a normal sounding composer (as opposed to Xenakis) who would never write another piece in the style of the Piano Quintet. To normal people, the PQ is normal music, but the Sextet is, somehow, as my friend would say, 'jazz'! Right?, you can't really hum it?

What normal early/mid 20th century composer ended up writing the 'ugliest' late music?

Quote from: snyprrr on April 07, 2010, 07:50:21 PM
What normal early/mid 20th century composer ended up writing the 'ugliest' late music?

Haha, I know the answer to this one...

...none!!

(I coulda said Penderecki or Gorecki, too, but I didn't!)

For some reason I have never heard the much talked about Symphony #2. Of the works I have in my collection, it is the violin concerti that I have listened to the most. But of the works I have heard (I heard it LIVE and then on a radio broadcast, and was my introduction to the composer), the viola concerto left the strongest impression, though I never bought a recording.

Quote from: springrite on April 07, 2010, 09:54:19 PM
For some reason I have never heard the much talked about Symphony #2. Of the works I have in my collection, it is the violin concerti that I have listened to the most. But of the works I have heard (I heard it LIVE and then on a radio broadcast, and was my introduction to the composer), the viola concerto left the strongest impression, though I never bought a recording.

I'm sure you'd like Symphony No 2, but try to listen to the Michael Tilson Thomas Boston version on DGG as this is a great performance.

The Tilson Thomas has come up several times as the one to get for Piston's second.

I'd like to put in a word for Schwarz, though. There's a cool little jazzy bit that comes up a couple of times in this symphony. No one gives it any swing except Schwarz. For that alone, I'd prefer his. (It's fine in every other way, too, though.)

The Tilson Thomas is otherwise quite good. But his plodding through the jazzy bits ruins the whole experience for me, I can tell you.

Quote from: some guy on April 08, 2010, 11:49:07 AM
The Tilson Thomas has come up several times as the one to get for Piston's second.

I'd like to put in a word for Schwarz, though. There's a cool little jazzy bit that comes up a couple of times in this symphony. No one gives it any swing except Schwarz. For that alone, I'd prefer his. (It's fine in every other way, too, though.)

The Tilson Thomas is otherwise quite good. But his plodding through the jazzy bits ruins the whole experience for me, I can tell you.

Interesting, thanks for that and I will listen to the Schwarz again.  Actually I think it is a very good performance, but for me the best section is the lovely slow movement, and I find that it is more deeply felt in the MTT version, but maybe this is because I first came across the Symphony in this version.

Just listened to Alexander Gauk's recording of Piston's 6th symphony - a very powerfully driven performance, which I thoroughly enjoyed (according to the booklet notes it is two minutes longer than Munch's 1956 recording). It is usually Piston's slow movements I like best, although the brooding opening movement is very powerful, with a poetic contribution from the harp. I know this is a terrible overgeneralisation but sometimes I find the fast movements too 'busy' with too much going on and too many notes - it's these rather relentless sections that I find rather 'academic' or 'dry'. Still, I liked the Symphony, as a whole, very much. The 1961 recording with the USSR State SO, clearly a product of the Khrushchev era cultural thaw.

The recording can be found in the unlikely context of the boxed set below:

Quote from: snyprrr on April 07, 2010, 07:50:21 PM
I mean, what PQ 20th century masterpieces are there after Shosty and Bloch and Martinu?

I don't wish to side-track this thread, but at least the following require consideration: D'Indy, Schnittke, Elgar, Medtner, Enescu, Faure (x2), Korngold.

And Florent Schmitt.

Snyprrr - I agree about the string sextet - wonderful work with just the "right" amount of pungeant dissonance to fully express Piston's later stylistic voice (leaner, harsher, more searing than his earlier work, whilst retaining the ear for sonority and elegance).

I have the Naxos release with symphony 4, and may have the 2 & 6 disc - I don't remember. I do remember having the impression that a gutsier, more romantic conductorial approach would sell these symphonies better (that's usually my impression regarding Schwarz).

I managed to find an inexpensive copy of this Delos CD on Amazon - a great find (hey, they stole the title from my GMG Music Forum thread  >:(). I think that Schwarz' performance of 'The Incredible Flutist' (spelt right ;D) Suite is my favourite - the most deeply felt in the lyrical passages and a fine recording. My favourite Piston CD alongside MTT's great version of Symphony No 2 on DGG. The shorter works, including 'Psalm and Prayer of David' are also appealing.

Lovely though it is, the suite is but a pale shadow of the ballet.

This still seems to be the only performance of the ballet. Fortunately, it's a fabulous performance. (I mean an incredible performance.)

Amazon has several on display. 13 used from $5.34 up. (The transition to the final scene is worth more than that all on its own. Not music that's in the suite.)

I love Piston's music. Before I got into him, I've heard people, who were obviously detractors of his music, say his music was dry and too cerebral. My opinion is they've never heard Piston's music before, because it's far from those two words. His music is rhythmically and harmonically interesting for me. He wrote a book about harmony if I'm not mistaken. Anyway, his "Symphony No. 2" is obviously his most talked about work, but I enjoy all of his other symphonies and orchestral works that I've heard as well. I also like the concerti or at least the ones I've heard so far, which would be both violin concerti.

He obviously was influenced, like many American composers, by jazz music and the last movement in "Symphony No. 2" is a perfect example of that. I have not heard the much fabled MTT performance everybody is talking about, I came to Piston through Gerard Schwarz. I intend on finding a copy of the MTT recording though. Too bad it's out of print here in the US.

Quote from: Mirror Image on June 30, 2010, 08:12:18 PM
I love Piston's music. Before I got into him, I've heard people, who were obviously detractors of his music, say his music was dry and too cerebral. My opinion is they've never heard Piston's music before, because it's far from those two words. His music is rhythmically and harmonically interesting for me. He wrote a book about harmony if I'm not mistaken. Anyway, his "Symphony No. 2" is obviously his most talked about work, but I enjoy all of his other symphonies and orchestral works that I've heard as well. I also like the concerti or at least the ones I've heard so far, which would be both violin concerti.

He obviously was influenced, like many American composers, by jazz music and the last movement in "Symphony No. 2" is a perfect example of that. I have not heard the much fabled MTT performance everybody is talking about, I came to Piston through Gerard Schwarz. I intend on finding a copy of the MTT recording though. Too bad it's out of print here in the US.

The MTT is available here - not too expensively:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sun-Treader-Ruggles/dp/B00000E4IH/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1277968437&sr=1-2

Quote from: Daverz on April 04, 2010, 04:25:59 AM
I'd think you would also enjoy Symphony No. 4.  Munch did a great recording of Symphony No. 6 for RCA.  The Tilson Thomas recording is definitely the one to have for the 2nd.

(http://s.ecrater.com/stores/34553/46c618a534f17_34553n.jpg)

Going back a while, but ... anyone have a purchasing link for this disc? I can't find it on my usual sources.

Quote from: vandermolen on June 30, 2010, 11:15:17 PM
The MTT is available here - not too expensively:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sun-Treader-Ruggles/dp/B00000E4IH/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1277968437&sr=1-2 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sun-Treader-Ruggles/dp/B00000E4IH/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1277968437&sr=1-2)

I can get it for $12 here on Amazon in the US, but I'm going to wait. Schwarz's performance is excellent, so at least I can hear it when I want.

Quote from: edward on July 01, 2010, 08:01:14 AM
Going back a while, but ... anyone have a purchasing link for this [Munch Piston 6] disc? I can't find it on my usual sources.

cdjapan lists it:

http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=BVCC-38467 (http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=BVCC-38467)

EDIT: Ah, sorry, it says Out Of Print.  It's not even listed at hmv.co.jp anymore.  It was part of a Japanese BMG Munch series.

I also see it at amazon.jp, where the ASIN is B000K2QL1A, but that's probably not helpful either.

Quote from: edward on July 01, 2010, 08:01:14 AM
Going back a while, but ... anyone have a purchasing link for this disc? I can't find it on my usual sources.

The Munch recording of the sixth to be available at German Amazon (http://www.amazon.de/Martinu-Sym-Piston-Lt/dp/B000K2QL1A/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1278441659&sr=8-2-fkmr1) for 22 Euros, which isn't much.

You know, I've got this Naxos disc of chamber music, and I don't know whether I've actually given it a listen yet . . . .

Quote from: vandermolen on April 04, 2010, 01:27:45 AM
I was very surprised that this composer appears not to have featured yet. I have been listening to his fine wartime Second Symphony (generally considered the best one). The second movement is especially beautiful I think. Piston has a reputation for writing rather dry and 'academic' music but, where the emotion comes through (as in the second movement of Symphony 2), it is all the more affecting for it. Other works I know and like are Symphony No 4, The Incredible Flautist (his best-known work) and the Three New England Sketches, the last one of which 'Mountains' opens just like Vaughan Williams's contemporaneous 9th Symphony of 1958. The Piston Delos CDs are now on Naxos and the one featuring symphonies 2 and 6 would be a good starting point for anyone wanting to investigate this fine composer.

I've only just gotten around to checking out the samples of that Naxos 2^nd/6^th disc . . . I really need to listen to those two in their entirety . . . .

Quote from: karlhenning on July 06, 2010, 10:46:55 AM
You know, I've got this Naxos disc of chamber music, and I don't know whether I've actually given it a listen yet . . . .

The Piano Quintet starts off very well, you'll see, very 'off to sea'. The Sextet and Piano Quartet are perhaps my favorite Piston, very tough, nutty pieces in Piston's growing gloominess of the '60s. I must say I've enjoyed this cd since it came out. I think you might really find a revelation here, Karl.

Quote from: karlhenning on April 16, 2012, 07:27:39 AM

I've only just gotten around to checking out the samples of that Naxos 2^nd/6^th disc . . . I really need to listen to those two in their entirety . . . .

Think you'll enjoy these Karl- in particular the slow movement of No 2. If you get 'New England Sketches' see if you agree with me about the opening of 'Mountains' (No 3) compared with the opening of Vaughan Williams's 9th Symphony (although it also reminds me of Ruggles's 'The Sun Treader'!) - they both date from 1958. There is a good Naxos CD (Schwarz) with this work on, alongside Symphony No 4.
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My favourite American symphonist! Vandermolen,I was particularly suprised by the Albany (Louisville First Editions) cd of Symphonies 5,7 & 8. First of all,how good these, less well known symphonies were,and secondly, amazement that there are no other recordings (at least,as far as I know). The dreaded Hurwitz praised this cd on Classics Today &,for once,he seems to have come out with a decent review. Wonderful! But why no new recordings or cycle,good as these old recordings are?!!!

These Piston discussions are brining back fond memories of seeing the Philiadelphia Youth Orchestra perform his 2nd Symphony, my brother was a member close to 18 years ago. Always really enjoyed Piston's music. I'll need to revisit my Schwarz/Seattle recordings, I still have the original Delos recordings.

Whilst those of us who live in the United Kingdom are fortunate enough to have record companies like Chandos, Hyperion and Dutton (and. formerly, Lyrita) to release performances of British music, the USA seems now to have only Albany interested in recording American music. And the Albany catalogue gets stranger every month ::) with music by composers one has never even heard of.

Say what you like about Gerard Schwarz-and there is no doubt that his time at the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic was not a happy one-he, at least, was committed to recording music by composers like Piston, Schuman and Hanson. Of which other American conductors can that be said?  Marin Alsop? Yes, she was pretty good in some/most of the Barber she recorded for Naxos but her Roy Harris was a major disappointment. JoAnn Falletta? Theodore Kuchar? John McLaughlin Williams? Yes..all promising if they were given more opportunities.

We complain-or at least I do ;D -about the lack of complete symphonic cycles by composers like Arnold Cooke, Daniel Jones, William Wordsworth, Peter Racine Fricker but at least we do have complete sets of the symphonies of William Alwyn(3 in fact), Edmund Rubbra, Robert Simpson, Richard Arnell, Benjamin Frankel, George Lloyd, Lennox Berkeley and Humphrey Searle.  It is possible to patch together a complete set of the symphonies of Walter Piston, Roger Sessions or Peter Mennin(although many of these recordings are more than showing their age) but, apart from the Naxos William Schuman and Howard Hanson, that is about it for the American composers of that generation.

And that is really sad :(

Interesting last three posts - thank you. I think that I have the Albany CD with symphs 5,7 and 8 on and will be digging it out. I am in the middle of a Piston/Ben Haim (v fond of Symph. 2) and Weinberg listening marathon today. I was aware that Gerald Schwarz's time at Liverpool was unhappy, but I have nothing but the greatest respect for him on the basis of his recordings.  As for Colin's point, I was thinking, why do we not have a complete cycle of the symphonies of David Diamond - one of my favourites?

Quote from: vandermolen on April 17, 2012, 02:11:18 AM
Think you'll enjoy these Karl- in particular the slow movement of No 2. If you get 'New England Sketches' see if you agree with me about the opening of 'Mountains' (No 3) compared with the opening of Vaughan Williams's 9th Symphony (although it also reminds me of Ruggles's 'The Sun Treader'!) - they both date from 1958. There is a good Naxos CD (Schwarz) with this work on, alongside Symphony No 4.
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That's a fine recording, Jeffrey. I have all the Schwarz Piston recordings (plus the MTT DG recording) and seeing all these new replies certainly makes me want to have a Piston revival.

Quote from: Mirror Image on April 17, 2012, 06:45:44 AM
That's a fine recording, Jeffrey. I have all the Schwarz Piston recordings (plus the MTT DG recording) and seeing all these new replies certainly makes me want to have a Piston revival.

Pleased to hear it John  :)

Quote from: Scots John on April 07, 2010, 12:56:43 AM
What got me into Walter Piston was his Symphony 8.  It is a real mysterious crawler, superbly imaginative use of the orchestra for one who has been accused of being 'dry'.

But I don't have any program notes so you'll have to put up with my havering.

It is a symphony which reflects some kind of lost yearning in a musical stream which sounds like Bartok in some places.  This work has a habit of taking you by the hand and leading you through some places where danger may be close by, but the music itself confronts and conquers it at each turn.
If you want to go on a wee journey where music is your lover, protector and illuminator, this is it.

The body of music by Piston that I have tells me he is BY FAR the most listenable and enjoyable of all American composers I kmow of.  Why this stuff isn't paraded around Europe as part of our staple Classical diet I don't know....

That's the one 'the Hurwitz' droned on about! And,although I'm not going to drone on about it like he did ;D,No 8 was a bit of a suprise! Snyprrr isn't so convinced,I see;so I'd better find the cd now & make sure! ;D But,let's face it,this isn't the Roy Harris thread! ;D We're not just filling up post after post after post,trying to decide whether Walter Piston wrote more than one,solitary composition worth listening to!!!! :( ;D)

Perhaps,I could rename the Roy Harris thread,"the not so incredible Roy Harris?!!!" ;D

Quote from: vandermolen on April 17, 2012, 06:16:18 AM
Interesting last three posts - thank you. I think that I have the Albany CD with symphs 5,7 and 8 on and will be digging it out. I am in the middle of a Piston/Ben Haim (v fond of Symph. 2) and Weinberg listening marathon today. I was aware that Gerald Schwarz's time at Liverpool was unhappy, but I have nothing but the greatest respect for him on the basis of his recordings.  As for Colin's point, I was thinking, why do we not have a complete cycle of the symphonies of David Diamond - one of my favourites?

Because Diamond, like Piston and Creston and Mennin etc etc are forgotten by those in positions to remedy the current situation. And because Delos went out of business for a number of years after getting Schwarz and his Seattle orchestra to record some of the Diamond symphonies. Sadly, towards the end, Delos even had the shocking cheek to issue one movement of the Diamond 11th symphony on disc.

Ask Bruce when the NYPO last played a Diamond symphony ::) Oh...for the days of Bernstein :(. Now there was a great conductor who would programme American symphonies of that type.

Quote from: Dundonnell on April 17, 2012, 03:58:42 PM
Because Diamond, like Piston and Creston and Mennin etc etc are forgotten by those in positions to remedy the current situation. And because Delos went out of business for a number of years after getting Schwarz and his Seattle orchestra to record some of the Diamond symphonies. Sadly, towards the end, Delos even had the shocking cheek to issue one movement of the Diamond 11th symphony on disc.

Ask Bruce when the NYPO last played a Diamond symphony ::) Oh...for the days of Bernstein :(. Now there was a great conductor who would programme American symphonies of that type.

Yes, there is that great Bernstein Sony/CBS CD with Diamond's 4th Symphony, Harris's 3rd (best performance on disc) and Thompson's 2nd.

And the Thompson's not bad,either. I was just thinking of taking my 2cd Koch set of his three symphonies to the charity shop,the other day. I put on the First Symphony & the opening just 'grabbed me';so it's staying here!!! ;D
  Koch used to be quite good with obscure stuff,like this. Have they gone like Unicorn? I haven't seen any Koch cds advertised,recently? :(

Koch International started life in 1975 as an independent label, bought Schwann (to become Koch Schwann) and was bought in 2005 for $80 million by a Canadian company which has rebranded it as E 1 Entertainment and, apparently, killed off its classical arm :(

Delos still exists, although it appears to have lost its interest in recording American symphonists. Its recordings are distributed by Naxos-which is why so many old Delos recordings now appear on the Naxos label.

 :( So goodbye to an interesting label! That's big business,eh! Some of the Koch releases (but by no means all of them) can be pricey s/h,too! :(
  As you have pointed out,Dundonnell,British composers are a pretty lucky bunch compared to their American counterparts!

I'm looking for Charles Munch/Boston Symphony broadcast recordings of Piston's Symphonies Nos. 3 & 5 (5th in mono from '56, 3rd supposedly in stereo from '59), and for Ormandy's Philadelphia recording of 7th from 1961.

Ormandy had official release in some Philadelphia Orchestra anniversary box, but that is long gone and probably had cost an arm and a leg.

Munch broadcasts are offered as CD-rs by Disco Archivia (http://www.classicalconducting.com/munch.html), but I've read that their quality is generally unreliable. I'd maybe even be willing to risk it but ordering without pay-pal is really a hassle.   

So if anyone runs across any of these being offered on some blog or sharing site I'd really appreciate if they would let me know.

I wonder if anyone at the 'Unsung Composers forum' has anything? They have,probably,one of the biggest collection of rare classical music downloads in the world! It's probably the 10th wonder of the world,by now,after King Kong! ;D (You have to be a member!)Those broadcasts are be A long time ago,though. I wasn't even born,then!!! But performances get re-broadcast,people 'know' people & files get passed around. My off air tape of Rubbra conducting his Fourth symphony was a repeat broadcast (c.1990's?).I grabbed it while I could!!! ;D

Walter Piston is a fine composer. Which reminds me,I must put that Naxos cd of his chamber music,on later!

Quote from: cilgwyn on May 02, 2012, 03:48:46 AM
I wonder if anyone at the 'Unsung Composers forum' has anything?

Are you a member there? Could I perhaps ask you to pass the question over there, if it wouldn't be too much of a hassle of course.

I'm afraid not! Dundonnell is! I understand a very large proportion of the music there is from his attic!!! ;D
Just register,as you do,on forums, & post about something that interests you. There are hundreds of music files there. Everything except the kitchen sink,quite frankly! I gather you can also place requests for a particular piece of music or recording & who knows? Someone may have what you want?

Quote from: cilgwyn on April 18, 2012, 04:58:25 AM
And the Thompson's not bad,either. I was just thinking of taking my 2cd Koch set of his three symphonies to the charity shop,the other day. I put on the First Symphony & the opening just 'grabbed me';so it's staying here!!! ;D

And your post just reminded me that I didn't have but one recording featuring Thompson's music and it was with Bernstein (performing the great 2nd). I bought this Koch set just awhile ago.

Quote from: cilgwyn on May 02, 2012, 12:18:43 PM
I'm afraid not! Dundonnell is! I understand a very large proportion of the music there is from his attic!!! ;D
Just register,as you do,on forums, & post about something that interests you. There are hundreds of music files there. Everything except the kitchen sink,quite frankly! I gather you can also place requests for a particular piece of music or recording & who knows? Someone may have what you want?

I might try that, thanks for the info.

It's a shame we don't hear his work more on classical radio.  It's tuneful, and chromatic, and if radio programmers took the time to spin it now and again maybe he'd be more than just a musical footnote/cult following.

I pulled out the Naxos cd of his chamber music. I've had this for a while & only played it once. This time I really enjoyed it. So much I looked for more on Amazon and,for some reason,ended up with String quartets by Quincy Jones,which I also enjoyed! :)

Quote from: cilgwyn on May 17, 2012, 11:21:50 AM
I pulled out the Naxos cd of his chamber music. I've had this for a while & only played it once. This time I really enjoyed it. So much I looked for more on Amazon and,for some reason,ended up with String quartets by Quincy Jones,which I also enjoyed! :)

HUH??? ???


I just pulled out Piston's 'Sonata for Violin & Harpsichord' (1945), a nice complement to the flute piece on that Naxos disc. He also has a 'Wind Quintet' that's pretty nice.

Yes,he also produced records for Michael Jackson!!! ;D I knew this name was going to floor me! I meant Quincy Porter,of course! ;D

Quote from: cilgwyn on May 18, 2012, 08:21:17 AM
Yes,he also produced records for Michael Jackson!!! ;D I knew this name was going to floor me! I meant Quincy Porter,of course! ;D

Quincy Jones 'String Quartet' (1976)

This astonishing work, commissioned by the Kronos Quartet, is an extended suite of music sprouting into all territories of exploration, the end result that one has been on a journey through civilizations. Using every up to date technique, Jones seamlessly melds post-serial free jazz explorations with a unique organically generated harmonic structure that truly sounds orchestral. Layer on top of this a world inflected melodic and rhythmic melange that captivates as well as awes, and you have the single greatest piece of music this reviewer has ever heard! It's neglect is unfathomable.

Symphony No.2 (BSO/MTT; DG)

Does this count as Piston's '3rd', meaning, it's his,... well, you know?

I can't remember the Delos/Naxos recording, but the sheer sumptuousness of this experience is vital. This music flows like buttah, with a strongly discernible Nordic influence that nonetheless does not infringe on its generally sunny disposition.

Things that I normally complain about concerning Piston evaporate. I've always had a problem with the way Piston wraps up his Symphonies, which has severely hampered my enjoyment of that Albany disc with 5/7/8: meaningful and serious beginnings are always left with a typical, shortish, Finale. Even if that's the case here (which I'm not totally sure of), the sheer presentation of this music is a joy.

I do think that most all of you have already stated your preference of No.2, so, this is just an update: nothing's changed here, haha! The very first notes, the theme, is so... mm... 'deceptive' to me. I want to call it 'obvious', but it insinuates itself as a 'perfect' theme, and I just accept and go along for the ride.

Piston's general demeanor is much different than Schuman's. Though both seem to have similar outlooks, it really is fun noting the completely different approaches (I guess I'm comparing to Schuman's 3rd; perhaps Schuman's 4th is much closer to the Pistonian ethos?). Piston is much more the traditionalist, but, when his inspiration is high, as here, his originality comes to the fore.

Anyhow, the perfect introduction, but, be warned of the rabbit trail that follows.

Oh well,at least you're post isn't about whether Piston only ever wrote one good symphony! ;D
Seriously,I like that cd of Piston's 5,7 & 8. I think the main problem I have with Piston is whether any of his music really stays in my mind after I listen to it. Don't get me wrong;I do like Piston's music;but I can't think of anything as memorable,as say, Schuman's Sixth. After I heard it,that snarling brass kept going around & around in my head. I just couldn't get enough of it.

Quote from: cilgwyn on February 19, 2013, 03:59:34 PM
Oh well,at least you're post isn't about whether Piston only ever wrote one good symphony! ;D
Seriously,I like that cd of Piston's 5,7 & 8. I think the main problem I have with Piston is whether any of his music really stays in my mind after I listen to it. Don't get me wrong;I do like Piston's music;but I can't think of anything as memorable,as say, Schuman's Sixth. After I heard it,that snarling brass kept going around & around in my head. I just couldn't get enough of it.

Not the 2nd Symphony?

I wasn't just making an observation. If I hear an ABBA record (on the radio) it goes around in my head afterwards;but I still prefer Walter Piston! ;D I just don't think his music has a very individual sound. Roy Harris,on the other hand,is immediately identifiable. But,I still prefer Walter Piston.There's a sense of purpose,an evolving argument which engrosses my attention. It also has a lot of atmosphere,which I find very enthralling. Roy Harris use of the orchestra is bolder & more colorful;but after a while he's a bit like a bar room bore,pontificating & repeating the same old story,over & over again.
Mennin is another interesting comparison. His orchestration is very grey,and frankly,a little on the monotonous side;but again the argument is vigorous & compelling. Having said that,I can't say there isn't anything particularly memorable about it;except that;it's grey,steely in countenance, strangely engrossing......and I think I might listen to him again!! ;D

Piston is one of my favourite American composers,I should point out! :)

Quote from: Daverz on February 20, 2013, 12:28:30 AM
Not the 2nd Symphony?

Quote from: cilgwyn on February 20, 2013, 07:12:37 AM
I wasn't just making an observation. If I hear an ABBA record (on the radio) it goes around in my head afterwards;but I still prefer Walter Piston! ;D I just don't think his music has a very individual sound. Roy Harris,on the other hand,is immediately identifiable. But,I still prefer Walter Piston.There's a sense of purpose,an evolving argument which engrosses my attention. It also has a lot of atmosphere,which I find very enthralling. Roy Harris use of the orchestra is bolder & more colorful;but after a while he's a bit like a bar room bore,pontificating & repeating the same old story,over & over again.
Mennin is another interesting comparison. His orchestration is very grey,and frankly,a little on the monotonous side;but again the argument is vigorous & compelling. Having said that,I can't say there isn't anything particularly memorable about it;except that;it's grey,steely in countenance, strangely engrossing......and I think I might listen to him again!! ;D

Piston is one of my favourite American composers,I should point out! :)

I have to ask with Daverz... what about the opening melody of No.2? I've remembered that since the first time I heard it. It's kind of American Indian sounding, plus a little Sibelius. If you're holding back that you haven't yet heard No.2, please do give it a shot:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hjc19jEbEkQ

How can one forget THAT?! No other Symphony opens like that, dooes it?

Quote from: cilgwyn on February 19, 2013, 03:59:34 PM
Oh well,at least you're post isn't about whether Piston only ever wrote one good symphony! ;D
Seriously,I like that cd of Piston's 5,7 & 8. I think the main problem I have with Piston is whether any of his music really stays in my mind after I listen to it. Don't get me wrong;I do like Piston's music;but I can't think of anything as memorable,as say, Schuman's Sixth. After I heard it,that snarling brass kept going around & around in my head. I just couldn't get enough of it.

With the notable exception of No 2!!! ;D

I admit, you chaps are making me curious to hear the Second . . . .

Quote from: cilgwyn on May 17, 2012, 11:21:50 AM
I pulled out the Naxos cd of his chamber music.

I've had that one pert near forever, but I don't think I've yet listened to it.

Quote from: karlhenning on February 20, 2013, 09:30:17 AM
I've had that one pert near forever, but I don't think I've yet listened to it.

Same here! Although I did play it once.
I've got the String quartets,too.
And Quincy Porter?!!

I must play them!

Piston's 2nd is a great work, short, sweet and to the point. A sublimely lyrical Adagio, with lovely woodwind solos, and a colorful Allegro finale. First heard this work in high school, have always enjoyed it.

Oh, and don't forget Piston's The Incredible Flutist, another crowd-pleasing work. A lively work indeed.

Quote from: TheGSMoeller on February 20, 2013, 09:51:48 AM
Oh, and don't forget Piston's The Incredible Flutist, another crowd-pleasing work. A lively work indeed.

Curiously, that is a title which I have known for as long as I have know the name of Piston.  However, though I have seen a couple of measures of the piece in an orchestration text, I've never heard it.

By the way:  does anyone know the Clarinet Concerto? A delightful piece, and gerat fun to play . . . I played it (with piano reduction) for my Junior Recital, back in the day.

It's time I listen to some Piston again.

Quote from: karlhenning on February 20, 2013, 09:29:28 AM
I admit, you chaps are making me curious to hear the Second . . . .

I own this and love it.  Highly recommended.

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51aEPmCqC5L._SL500_AA300_.jpg)

Thanks, Joe... time I took that plunge.

The best recording of 2 was by Tilson Thomas:

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/516N6XxKygL._SL500_AA300_.jpg) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/516oNfCwX8L._SL500_AA300_.jpg)

The older CD on the right had the William Schuman Violin Concerto, which seems to have been orphaned.

And the best of 6 was by Munch, in very good stereo.  It was available from Japan at one time.

(http://cdn.7static.com/static/img/sleeveart/00/018/139/0001813929_500.jpg)

Quote from: karlhenning on February 20, 2013, 09:30:17 AM
I've had that one pert near forever, but I don't think I've yet listened to it.

Quote from: cilgwyn on February 20, 2013, 09:33:44 AM
Same here! Although I did play it once.
I've got the String quartets,too.
And Quincy Porter?!!

I must play them!

Really guys? ::)

That's the most substantial Piston disc I've heard. The Piano Quintet is practically a minor masterpiece, and the two later works are wonderfully knotty and turgid. You guys with masses of unopened cds... uh uh uh ::) My email is...

Quote from: TheGSMoeller on February 20, 2013, 09:51:48 AM
Piston's 2nd is a great work, short, sweet and to the point. A sublimely lyrical Adagio, with lovely woodwind solos, and a colorful Allegro finale. First heard this work in high school, have always enjoyed it.

Oh, and don't forget Piston's The Incredible Flutist, another crowd-pleasing work. A lively work indeed.

I was listening in the car, and when I got back in, and forgot what I was listening to, I heard the flute solo in the slow movement and was like, Hey? What's that? Yes, that's a lovely one there.

The DG recording really is just so sumptuous.

Maybe I'll try that other Symphony (4 or 6) on that old Albany with Harris and Schuman. I know the sound will let me down, but,...

I've opened the CD, snypsss, and I know which wallet I've stored it in . . . I just haven't listened to it yet : )

Quote from: Daverz on February 21, 2013, 02:04:05 AM
The best recording of 2 was by Tilson Thomas:

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/516N6XxKygL._SL500_AA300_.jpg) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/516oNfCwX8L._SL500_AA300_.jpg)

The older CD on the right had the William Schuman Violin Concerto, which seems to have been orphaned.

Thanks for that reminder, Daverz.  As good as the Philippe Quint recording of the Schuman Violin Concerto has always felt to me, I've been curious to hear that "historical" account, too.

Quote from: snyprrr on February 21, 2013, 06:20:19 AM
Maybe I'll try that other Symphony (4 or 6) on that old Albany with Harris and Schuman. I know the sound will let me down, but,...

The Ormandy 4th.  It's good 50s mono.  I haven't heard Albany's transfer.  Schwarz wins for modern sonics. 

There was a Howard Hanson recording of the 3rd on pre-stereo Mercury (be warned that the old Golden Imports Lp re-issue was in fake stereo).  Naxos offers a cheap transfer of it, though I think they could have found a better sounding copy.  It's worth hearing, but the Albany recording conducted by James Yannatos has to be first choice now.

http://www.naxos.com/catalogue/item.asp?item_code=9.81050

I did not realize that Slatkin recorded 6.  Anyone heard it?

(http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/ciu/59/f7/71ac431378a0e9aa7a838110.L._AA300_.jpg)

Here's a geeky question:  On the Naxos cover, it's billed as The Incredible Flutist Ballet Suite.  Is that the complete work?

Quote from: karlhenning on February 21, 2013, 06:37:32 AM
Thanks for that reminder, Daverz.  As good as the Philippe Quint recording of the Schuman Violin Concerto has always felt to me, I've been curious to hear that "historical" account, too.

I think it's a more exciting recording of the Schuman, and it's not too expensive in the Marketplace right now.  I suspect the Naxos recording suffered from a lack of rehearsal time.

Quote from: karlhenning on February 21, 2013, 06:40:44 AM
Here's a geeky question:  On the Naxos cover, it's billed as The Incredible Flutist Ballet Suite.  Is that the complete work?

The answer seems to be, No . . . .

Quote from: WikipediaPiston's only dance work, The Incredible Flutist, was written for the Boston Pops Orchestra, which premiered it with Arthur Fiedler conducting on May 30, 1938. The dancers were Hans Weiner and his company. Soon after, Piston arranged a concert suite including "a selection of the best parts of the ballet." This version was premiered by Fritz Reiner and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra on November 22, 1940. Leonard Slatkin and the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra included the suite in a 1991 RCA Victor CD recording that also featured Piston's Three New England Sketches and Symphony No. 6.

Quote from: Daverz on February 21, 2013, 02:04:05 AM
The best recording of 2 was by Tilson Thomas:

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/516N6XxKygL._SL500_AA300_.jpg) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/516oNfCwX8L._SL500_AA300_.jpg)

I've been contemplating the Originals disc for quite awhile...maybe it's time to pull the trigger!

Enjoyed my first listen to the Second Symphony yesterday, wonderful piece. Will listen again, and scramble together a semi-intelligent thought or two . . . .

Quote from: Daverz on February 21, 2013, 06:37:34 AM

I did not realize that Slatkin recorded 6.  Anyone heard it?

(http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/ciu/59/f7/71ac431378a0e9aa7a838110.L._AA300_.jpg)

Yes, and it's good. But don't just get it for the 6th, Flutist and Sketches are also worthy.

Quote from: TheGSMoeller on February 22, 2013, 04:28:23 AM
Yes, and it's good. But don't just get it for the 6th, Flutist and Sketches are also worthy.

As to that Flutist, Greg: complete, or suite, do you know? Just curious . . . found a cheap copy and went ahead and pulled the trigger, so I shall find out myself, sooner or later : )

Quote from: karlhenning on February 22, 2013, 04:42:55 AM
As to that Flutist, Greg: complete, or suite, do you know? Just curious . . . found a cheap copy and went ahead and pulled the trigger, so I shall find out myself, sooner or later : )

As far as I know, Piston created an orchestral suite for orchestra based on the ballet, and that's the version that is always performed. I may be wrong, but the movement listing as always been consistent with the recordings/performances I've seen,

Introduction
Siesta Hour in the Marketplace and Entrance of the Vendors
Dance of the Vendors
Entrance of the Customers
Tango of the Four Daughters
Arrival of Circus and Circus March
Solo of the Flutist
Minuet - Dance of the Widow and Merchant
Spanish Waltz
Eight O'Clock Strikes
Siciliano - Dance of the Flutist and the Merchant's Daughter
Polka
Finale

Very helpful, thanks, Greg!

Quote from: Daverz on February 21, 2013, 06:37:34 AM
The Ormandy 4th.  It's good 50s mono.  I haven't heard Albany's transfer.  Schwarz wins for modern sonics. 

There was a Howard Hanson recording of the 3rd on pre-stereo Mercury (be warned that the old Golden Imports Lp re-issue was in fake stereo).  Naxos offers a cheap transfer of it, though I think they could have found a better sounding copy.  It's worth hearing, but the Albany recording conducted by James Yannatos has to be first choice now.

http://www.naxos.com/catalogue/item.asp?item_code=9.81050

I did not realize that Slatkin recorded 6.  Anyone heard it?

(http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/ciu/59/f7/71ac431378a0e9aa7a838110.L._AA300_.jpg)

Yes, I found the music... I think I have figured WHAT Piston is. He's the guy who fused the French and Nordic influences into one whole. You certainly hear Sibelius-meets-Milhaud in this Symphony (though, not as harmonically complex as the Frenchman). This work is very Mediterrainian(sic) and sunny, I would certainly be tempted to re-get the Schwarz. It's a very good 'driving' (in car) Symphony. It certainly does NOT have anything as memorable as the opening of the 2nd. Still, there's nothing wrong with it, every note is wonderfully placed. It makes me think of a blooming garden.

As to the 3rd, I think I heard that old Hanson LP and thought the music was terrific, like the Piano Quintet, but I don't recall the samples for the Albany disc matching what I remembered. Can you give a good synopsis is this work? It's not on YT yet.

Might as well YT the 6th whilst I'm at it?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMGvPMEXE7E

Just the opening 20secs. come off rather darkly and brooding. Is that Shosty I hear? Yea, No.2 has a simplicity about.

Quote from: karlhenning on February 22, 2013, 04:26:14 AM
Enjoyed my first listen to the Second Symphony yesterday, wonderful piece. Will listen again, and scramble together a semi-intelligent thought or two . . . .

His finest work I think - a lovely score. I think that the DGG version is best. I also like the craggy 'New England Sketches' one of which reminds me of the opening of Vaughan Williams's contemporaneous (1957/58) 9th Symphony.

Quote from: vandermolen on February 22, 2013, 07:33:55 AM
His finest work I think - a lovely score. I think that the DGG version is best [...]

Another reason to be pleased that I fetched that in, in addition to the Naxos disc; thanks, Jeffrey!

Quote from: karlhenning on February 22, 2013, 07:37:04 AM
Another reason to be pleased that I fetched that in, in addition to the Naxos disc; thanks, Jeffrey!

We will be happy when you LISTEN to the cds you buy!!

I've listened twice to the MTT/BSO recording of the Second Symphony, that's got to count!

Okay, dude! (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,21492.msg700770.html#msg700770)

Incidentally, I had forgotten that I do have a CD with three of the string quartets . . . I am not doing this just to bring your grey hairs in sorrow down to the grave, O snypsss . . . .

Quote from: karlhenning on February 27, 2013, 07:32:46 AM
Piston
String Quartet № 5 (1962)
Harlem Quartet

[asin]B003VC51US[/asin]

This piece certainly has me keyed up in hope they'll record the other two quartets . . . and perhaps the 1964 Sextet!

I suppose I ought to feel right silly; it appears that the Sextet is on the very disc that I've been neglecting he longest . . . .

Quote from: karlhenning on February 21, 2013, 06:33:33 AM
I've opened the CD, snypsss, and I know which wallet I've stored it in . . . I just haven't listened to it yet : )

There has been one recording of the complete ballet, The Incredible Flutist. It's with Jorge Mester and the Louisville Orchestra on the Louisville label. (I just checked my CD. That was issued through the Albany label.)

It is ausgezeichnet.

I don't find MTT's performance of the second symphony to be nearly as good as Schwarz's. The sound is better, but the performance seems tepid compared to Schwarz's.

Quote from: some guy on March 01, 2013, 11:53:07 AM
There has been one recording of the complete ballet, The Incredible Flutist. It's with Jorge Mester and the Louisville Orchestra on the Louisville label. (I just checked my CD. That was issued through the Albany label.)

It is ausgezeichnet.

Is this the one (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0064UPLJA/ref=dm_sp_alb?ie=UTF8&qid=1362185828&sr=8-10)?

I saw a Valis disc with FLUTIST by Arthur Fiedler w/Boston Pops, a recording from 1939; is that a truncated version of the ballets?  SQ1 (Dorian, 1939) and SYMPH4 (Ormandy, 1954) were also on that disc.

That's the one. Though my copy has this cover.

(http://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_250/MI0000/956/MI0000956026.jpg?partner=allrovi.com)

The Fiedler is the suite, far as I can tell.

Thanks, gents.

Incidentally . . . the Naxos CD's notes are a little unclear . . . is the Concerto for SQ, Winds & Perc his very last score?

Hm, Naxos really dropped the ball with this CD . . . no indication of what chorus is singing the last two tracks.

Quote from: karlhenning on March 04, 2013, 09:46:52 AM
Thanks, gents.

Incidentally . . . the Naxos CD's notes are a little unclear . . . is the Concerto for SQ, Winds & Perc his very last score?

Hm, Naxos really dropped the ball with this CD . . . no indication of what chorus is singing the last two tracks.

I think so on the Concerto. I especially like that piece... Piston and Schuman both had nice Indian Summers.

Re-thinking

Quote from: Velimir on April 04, 2010, 02:53:41 AM
I had the chamber music on Naxos, but got rid of it - too dry and yes, "academic."

This thread though inspired me to dig it out (I hadn't got rid of it after all!) and give it another go. I like it better now - the two quintets are the standouts - but I still have trouble with the gloomy later works. Maybe they'll click someday. Piston's finales remind me of Martinu's, which is a good thing.

Quote from: some guy on March 01, 2013, 11:53:07 AM
I don't find MTT's performance of the second symphony to be nearly as good as Schwarz's.

I seem to be one of the few people who agrees with you on this.

Well, I should listen to Schwarz's performance of the Second soon . . . .

Quote from: karlhenning on March 05, 2013, 04:56:38 PM
Well, I should listen to Schwarz's performance of the Second soon . . . .

..er than later.  ;)

I'm glad Piston has been getting some well deserved attention. Been enjoying re-visiting these pieces, especially Flutist. Will more than likely get the full ballet SomeGuy mentioned.

Only symphonies I have, or have even heard are 2,4 and 6. Anyone know of the others were recorded?

I have a Louisville First Edition Series with 5, 7, and 8.

I don't recall ever seeing 1 or 3.

Your mileage may vary in regards to the ballet. All I know is that that would be one of my desert island discs. I mean, assuming that the island had electricity. And that I had a player with me, too, when deserted.

Quote from: some guy on March 06, 2013, 09:04:25 AM
I don't recall ever seeing 1 or 3.

The Louisville recording of 1 was re-issued by Albany.

[asin]B0000049LN[/asin]

There's also good modern recording of 3 on Albany. 

[asin]B00004WH72[/asin]

You can download a transfer of the old Howard Hanson recording from Naxos.  Decent transfer, but I thought they could have found a better copy of the record.

To-day: the String Sextet.

I mean it!

I told (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,21492.msg704131.html#msg704131) you I would, and I did!

What a great piece!

Quote from: karlhenning on March 15, 2013, 04:55:59 AM
I told (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,21492.msg704131.html#msg704131) you I would, and I did!

What a great piece!

YES! Both the later pieces are wonderfully knotty. Leslie Bassett has a Sextet that has a similarly darkish mood. As far as 'serialism light' goes, Piston really invests it with

nevermind, haha,... glad to hear you popped that one!

Yes, tremendously gutsy piece. But I observe that he ends the Sextet with a major triad ; )

What a wonderful work Symphony No. 2 is. One of the great American symphonies I think.
[asin]B00009ZY9F[/asin]

Quote from: vandermolen on October 12, 2014, 02:53:31 AM
What a wonderful work Symphony No. 2 is. One of the great American symphonies I think.

Agreed, wonderful work. I heard Slatkin/CSO do it a few years ago.

Quote from: Velimir on October 13, 2014, 10:24:54 AM
Agreed, wonderful work. I heard Slatkin/CSO do it a few years ago.

Must have been great to hear live.

Quote from: vandermolen on October 12, 2014, 02:53:31 AM
What a wonderful work Symphony No. 2 is. One of the great American symphonies I think.
[asin]B00009ZY9F[/asin]

Piston's 2nd is a fine work indeed, Jeffrey. Cheers!

Quote from: Daverz on April 04, 2010, 08:24:20 PM
The thread has inspired a Pistonethon.  The Viola Concerto, the Symphonies 5, 7 & 8; and the String Quartet No. 5.  Maybe I'm easy to please, but I enjoy all the symphonies.  These Whitney/Louisville Orchestra recordings are quite good.

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41N5WXWQQTL._SL500_AA300_.jpg) (http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/ciu/47/37/7035228348a00650d4f04110.L._AA300_.jpg) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41EWVQ4WD6L._SL500_AA300_.jpg)

I agree that the Viola Concerto and 7th and 8th Symphonies are first rate works. I've been streaming Piston all day; the works that grabbed me were the 3rd and 7th Symphonies as well as the New England Sketches and Viola Concerto. The way his music always sounds somewhat tonal yet chromatic, not to be dissonant, rather, to accentuate line and melodic jumps, is impressive. The slow movements are so expressive--his strength IMO.

The opening of one of the New England Sketches sounds just like the opening of Vaughan Williams's 9th Symphony, both composed at about the same time (1958). I think that his 2nd Symphony is one of the great American symphonies.

I've been enjoying this recent release from Kalmar/Oregon Symphony, pointlessly entitled Spirit of the American Range.

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/81MpBjxKwmL._SY355_.jpg)

Piston's Incredible Flutist suite is on it. I never listened to this carefully before, but the sheer amount of fun in the score comes as a delightful surprise. It stands in stark contrast to the relative severity of his other music that I've heard. And there's a real dog in it, which makes me like it automatically.

Copland's 3rd Symphony is also here. Its status as a "great American symphony" somewhat puzzles me, because I find it really bombastic and kind of superficial. I can think of a dozen American symphonies off the top of my head that I prefer. But I digress. This is a fine performance, and the third piece, Antheil's Jazz Symphony, is a nice bonus.

Quote from: Archaic Torso of Apollo on June 18, 2015, 09:44:14 AM
I've been enjoying this recent release from Kalmar/Oregon Symphony, pointlessly entitled Spirit of the American Range.

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/81MpBjxKwmL._SY355_.jpg)

Piston's Incredible Flutist suite is on it. I never listened to this carefully before, but the sheer amount of fun in the score comes as a delightful surprise. It stands in stark contrast to the relative severity of his other music that I've heard. And there's a real dog in it, which makes me like it automatically.

Copland's 3rd Symphony is also here. Its status as a "great American symphony" somewhat puzzles me, because I find it really bombastic and kind of superficial. I can think of a dozen American symphonies off the top of my head that I prefer. But I digress. This is a fine performance, and the third piece, Antheil's Jazz Symphony, is a nice bonus.

I do need to revisit the Flutist.  If you have not heard the Clarinet Concerto, you should:  there is fun in it (not so freewheeling as the Flutist), and affecting tenderness . . . but no severity.

Viz. the Copland . .  I do not know that the Judd/EnnZedd recording on Naxos would sway you (and perhaps you know it already, and hear it somewhat otherwise than do I);  I do remember feeling that it is less bombastic than whatever performance I chanced to hear on WCRB one fine Saturday afternoon.

Or, who knows?  Maybe a symphony "that goes, TA-DAAA!" is a pre-requisite for The Great American Symphony . . . .

8)

Quote from: karlhenning on June 18, 2015, 10:08:34 AM
Viz. the Copland . .  I do not know that the Judd/EnnZedd recording on Naxos would sway you (and perhaps you know it already, and hear it somewhat otherwise than do I);  I do remember feeling that it is less bombastic than whatever performance I chanced to hear on WCRB one fine Saturday afternoon.

Or, who knows?  Maybe a symphony "that goes, TA-DAAA!" is a pre-requisite for The Great American Symphony . . . .

8)

I don't actually dislike the Copland. It begins powerfully and has many arresting episodes. I do think it's too drawn-out for its material, and sounds too much like "poster music" (a la some of the noisier DSCH symphonies). And maybe I'm just sick of hearing that fanfare everywhere. I much prefer the "3rds" it is usually bracketed with (Schuman, Harris).

In fact, might Wally Piston be an overall better composer than Copland? Certainly his quiet professionalism and academic rigor have lasted better with me.

Quote from: Daverz on April 04, 2010, 04:25:59 AM
I'd think you would also enjoy Symphony No. 4.  Munch did a great recording of Symphony No. 6 for RCA.  The Tilson Thomas recording is definitely the one to have for the 2nd.

(http://s.ecrater.com/stores/34553/46c618a534f17_34553n.jpg)

And I've been listening to the 6th Symphony off this, the original LP issue. A very fine performance by the orchestra for which Piston wrote it. I don't feel that Schwarz is far behind, though.

Quote from: Archaic Torso of Apollo on June 18, 2015, 10:17:44 AM
In fact, might Wally Piston be an overall better composer than Copland? Certainly his quiet professionalism and academic rigor have lasted better with me.

I need gto know more of Piston's work before I could offer an opinion on the question.  But I certainly think more of Piston's Clarinet Concerto than of Copland's, FWIW.

Quote from: Archaic Torso of Apollo on June 18, 2015, 09:44:14 AM
I've been enjoying this recent release from Kalmar/Oregon Symphony, pointlessly entitled Spirit of the American Range.

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/81MpBjxKwmL._SY355_.jpg)

Piston's Incredible Flutist suite is on it. I never listened to this carefully before, but the sheer amount of fun in the score comes as a delightful surprise. It stands in stark contrast to the relative severity of his other music that I've heard. And there's a real dog in it, which makes me like it automatically.

Copland's 3rd Symphony is also here. Its status as a "great American symphony" somewhat puzzles me, because I find it really bombastic and kind of superficial. I can think of a dozen American symphonies off the top of my head that I prefer. But I digress. This is a fine performance, and the third piece, Antheil's Jazz Symphony, is a nice bonus.

I like this CD too but really like Copland's Third Symphony.

Quote from: cilgwyn on February 19, 2013, 03:59:34 PM
Oh well,at least you're post isn't about whether Piston only ever wrote one good symphony! ;D
Seriously,I like that cd of Piston's 5,7 & 8. I think the main problem I have with Piston is whether any of his music really stays in my mind after I listen to it. Don't get me wrong;I do like Piston's music;but I can't think of anything as memorable,as say, Schuman's Sixth. After I heard it,that snarling brass kept going around & around in my head. I just couldn't get enough of it.

I was just thinking what idiot wrote this.........then I realised it was me!! ??? ::) :-[ Piston has one of the most immediately identifiable profile of any American composer. And yes,the opening of his Second Symphony is one of the best in the American canon,and chock full of imaginative,memorable ideas. As the satirical magazine Private Eye might put it,"Shome mistake,ed!" What a dumb post!! ::) :-[

Thanks for the smile, mate!

Quote from: cilgwyn on April 14, 2017, 09:49:03 AM
I was just thinking what idiot wrote this.........then I realised it was me!! ??? ::) :-[ Piston has one of the most immediately identifiable profile of any American composer. And yes,the opening of his Second Symphony is one of the best in the American canon,and chock full of imaginative,memorable ideas. As the satirical magazine Private Eye might put it,"Shome mistake,ed!" What a dumb post!! ::) :-[

OT

Reminds me of my only experience of skiing on a school trip to Austria when I was 11 or 12. I saw a single ski go shooting down the mountain on its own. I though 'what idiot does that belong to?' Looked down and realised it was my own ski.   ::)

 ;D An excellent analogy!
Here is an example of someone with two ski's firmly in place!

Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on February 22, 2013, 04:26:14 AM
Enjoyed my first listen to the Second Symphony yesterday, wonderful piece. Will listen again, and scramble together a semi-intelligent thought or two . . . .

I could have done with one or two (or even one of those!) :(

I would listen to some  Walter Piston;but I'm listening to Bessie Smith at the moment. You've got to go with the flow,as they say! And blues music from the twenties really does feel appropriate at the moment!! :( ;D
Shocking that there aren't new recordings of some of the later symphonies,though! Whatever happened to Albany. They started off so well. They seem to have gone downhill like Chandos.

I have the Naxos SQs 1, 3, 5 and like them a lot. I was having difficulty finding nos 2 & 4 with the Portland SQ disks being out of the catalogue and expensive 2nd hand.

I found the 2nd on YouTube in a 1942 recording and 4 at www.archive.org where you can listen to the Portland SQ disk streaming. Might be worth investigating as a source for hard to find recordings (previously I've only used it to find scanned copies of Victorian books).

Quote from: cilgwyn on April 15, 2017, 01:57:16 AM
;D An excellent analogy!
Here is an example of someone with two ski's firmly in place!
I could have done with one or two (or even one of those!) :(

Cor, thanks for the reminder!

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

Quote from: cilgwyn on April 15, 2017, 01:57:16 AM
;D An excellent analogy!
Here is an example of someone with two ski's firmly in place!
I could have done with one or two (or even one of those!) :(

The "cakewalk" second theme in the first movement insinuated itself into my favor ... typically, it's the kind of thing I might be inclined to tut-tut, but Piston carries it off. The sostenuto writing in the second movement is ravishing, and the clarinet solo, which is simplicity itself, is lovely. The robust, marziale third movement is assured and excellent. I like the symphony very much, thanks for reminding me that I meant to listen again!

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

I've just discovered Piston's Concerto for Two Pianos and Otchestra which I found very engaging, not at all 'academic' rather like Copland in places and with a soulful slow movement. Furthermore the CD itself was a good find also including Porter's Concerto for Two Pianos and Orchestra and the memorably catchy Dance Variations for Two Pianos and Orchestra by Morton Gould. I read somewhere that the Piston work is considered one of his finest scores. CD issued by Helicon.

Quote from: vandermolen on May 30, 2018, 01:52:44 AM
I've just discovered Piston's Concerto for Two Pianos and Otchestra which I found very engaging, not at all 'academic' rather like Copland in places and with a soulful slow movement. Furthermore the CD itself was a good find also including Porter's Concerto for Two Pianos and Orchestra and the memorably catchy Dance Variations for Two Pianos and Orchestra by Morton Gould. I read somewhere that the Piston work is considered one of his finest scores. CD issued by Helicon.

One thing I've never understood is the charge of 'academic' against Piston. I have yet to hear a work of his that I didn't find enjoyment in.

Quote from: Mirror Image on May 30, 2018, 06:40:35 AM
One thing I've never understood is the charge of 'academic' against Piston. I have yet to hear a work of his that I didn't find enjoyment in.

Well, Piston was an academic in the literal sense, and he wrote several textbooks still in use today.

As a description of music, academic has no real meaning, except as a pejorative with a vague whiff of the ivory tower elite.

Quote from: Mahlerian on May 30, 2018, 06:56:34 AM
Well, Piston was an academic in the literal sense, and he wrote several textbooks still in use today.

As a description of music, academic has no real meaning, except as a pejorative with a vague whiff of the ivory tower elite.

Yep, I think you nailed it with 'pejorative with a vague whiff of the ivory tower elite.' Those people obviously haven't actually listened to Piston's music, but that should be no surprise.

Piston's 6th Symphony is gonna be performed at Grant Park this summer (following a performance there of the 2nd last year). Thanks again, Carlos Kalmar!

I echo the opinion of many that Piston's Second Symphony is probably his finest achievement. I think the second movement is one of the most moving slow movements ever penned - beginning with a elegiac clarinet solo and working its way to a heart-wrenching climax. It's just about the farthest thing from "academic" in 20th century music I can think of. I also love the flowing, rather Sibelian quality of the first movement. The "populist"-inflected finale is great fun, but it is a bit too short on material to be ideally congruous to the first two movements. The MTT/Boston recording is indeed great and makes me wish he would record more Piston, or indeed, more lesser-known American music. Also great is his Violin Concerto no. 1, which has a life-affirming energy and lyricism, as well as his Divertimento for nine instruments, which has bouncily rhythmic outer movements and a deeply felt slow movement. The only other symphony of his I've heard is no. 5, which did not leave much of an impression and struck me as rather dry.

Quote from: kyjo on May 30, 2018, 07:18:32 PM
I echo the opinion of many that Piston's Second Symphony is probably his finest achievement. I think the second movement is one of the most moving slow movements ever penned - beginning with a elegiac clarinet solo and working its way to a heart-wrenching climax. It's just about the farthest thing from "academic" in 20th century music I can think of. I also love the flowing, rather Sibelian quality of the first movement. The "populist"-inflected finale is great fun, but it is a bit too short on material to be ideally congruous to the first two movements. The MTT/Boston recording is indeed great and makes me wish he would record more Piston, or indeed, more lesser-known American music. Also great is his Violin Concerto no. 1, which has a life-affirming energy and lyricism, as well as his Divertimento for nine instruments, which has bouncily rhythmic outer movements and a deeply felt slow movement. The only other symphony of his I've heard is no. 5, which did not leave much of an impression and struck me as rather dry.

Very much agree with this Kyle. The DGG CD with Piston's Second Symphony, Ives's 'Three Places in New England' and Ruggles' 'Sun Treader' is quite a sensational disc on all fronts as was the earlier release with the work coupled together with William Schuman's Violin Concerto. I like Piston's 'Three New England Pictures' with the opening of one of them ('Mountains' I think) sounding just like the opening of the contemporaneous Ninth Symphony by Vaughan Williams.

I've just published the newest in my series of score follow videos for Walter Piston chamber music.  This is Piston's String Quartet No. 4.

As great as his symphonies are, I think the string quartets might be where his greatest work lies.  In the future I'm planning to do further videos for his Flute Quintet (1942) and Piano Quintet (1949).

https://www.youtube.com/v/rYETGQyD6IM

Was listening to Symphony No.6 yesterday - a fine work with a deeply felt slow movement.

Quote from: kyjo on May 30, 2018, 07:18:32 PM
The only other symphony of his I've heard is no. 5, which did not leave much of an impression and struck me as rather dry.

After No. 2, my favorite is No. 4 (1950).  Interestingly, the Chavez Symphony No. 4 (1953) sounds very like the Piston No. 4 to me.  Perhaps a conscious homage by Chavez?

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71Jrc-LqyPL._SX522_.jpg)

Quote from: Daverz on August 22, 2022, 03:18:32 PM
After No. 2, my favorite is No. 4 (1950).  Interestingly, the Chavez Symphony No. 4 (1953) sounds very like the Piston No. 4 to me.  Perhaps a conscious homage by Chavez?

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71Jrc-LqyPL._SX522_.jpg)

Interesting. One of the Chavez symphonies ('Antigone' I think) reminds me of Havergal Brian!

My favorite Piston symphony is the 7th.  Hard to sum up why in a quick post, but for me it's just about perfect.  A 2nd commercial recording was finally released in 2020 by Kalmar and the Oregon Symphony, but I still prefer the Mester/Louisville one from the 70s.


My tiers for Piston symphonies:

Top tier (among the greats)
7, 6, 4, 2

Mid tier (solid but less inspired)
5, 3

Bottom tier (respect but feel little connection to)
8, 1

Quote from: Stu on August 23, 2022, 02:39:30 AM
My favorite Piston symphony is the 7th.  Hard to sum up why in a quick post, but for me it's just about perfect.  A 2nd commercial recording was finally released in 2020 by Kalmar and the Oregon Symphony, but I still prefer the Mester/Louisville one from the 70s.


My tiers for Piston symphonies:

Top tier (among the greats)
7, 6, 4, 2

Mid tier (solid but less inspired)
5, 3

Bottom tier (respect but feel little connection to)
8, 1

I need to listen again to No.7 although I totally agree about 2 and 6 which are my favourites.