Pieces that have blown you away recently

[Symphonic Addict]

A most fascinating disc, mostly for the Piano Quintet in E minor. First-rate chamber music.

[vandermolen]

I thought very highly of Leopold Stowkoski's Symphony.  Not really a symphony but a colorful and vibrantly orchestrated symphonic poem.  Very French and Russian (complete with a Dies Irae) but extremely high quality.  Just imagine if he poured his effort in to composition instead of conducting. 

Most interesting! Nice graphics as well.

[Brahmsian]

Yesterday, listened to these for the first time.  Blown away by all three of Górecki's string quartets....but particularly the 2nd quartet.

[relm1]

Yesterday, listened to these for the first time.  Blown away by all three of Górecki's string quartets....but particularly the 2nd quartet.

I am not familiar with them but will add to my listening list.

[Brahmsian]

I am not familiar with them but will add to my listening list.

I will go on a limb to say that if you happen to enjoy late Shostakovich string quartets, that one might enjoy these (Górecki's).

[DavidW]

I will go on a limb to say that if you happen to enjoy late Shostakovich string quartets, that one might enjoy these (Górecki's).

I like Gorecki's SQs but that is a pretty bold comparison!  I personally think that the late Shostakovich SQs are on par with Beethoven and Bartok, i.e. the pinnacle of the genre.

[Brahmsian]

I like Gorecki's SQs but that is a pretty bold comparison!  I personally think that the late Shostakovich SQs are on par with Beethoven and Bartok, i.e. the pinnacle of the genre.

Yes, I certainly am not trying to say that they are as good as Shostakovich, just that one might enjoy them if they enjoy DSCH.

[Uhor]

This composer just explodes in little noises of light

then there is this kind of sparkling magic

and finally, if you prefer something slightly more traditional but equally beautiful and exuberant.

[Brahmsian]

Górecki: Concerto for harpsichord and string orchestra

Both work and performance comprise quite an experience! And it is just 9 minutes long. Exciting to say the least!

[flash=500,250]https://www.youtube.com/v/tyXjX-IOP6s[/flash]

Indeed, just listening to the work now (Elzbieta Chojnacka on the harsichord, Markus Stenz conducting the London Sinfonietta).  Marvelous impression! 

[DavidW]

Indeed, just listening to the work now (Elzbieta Chojnacka on the harsichord, Markus Stenz conducting the London Sinfonietta).  Marvelous impression! 

One of my favorites.  I've heard it on both harpsichord and piano.  I prefer it on harpsichord.

[Brahmsian]

One of my favorites.  I've heard it on both harpsichord and piano.  I prefer it on harpsichord.

Regarding Gorecki's Concerto for Harspichord and string orchestra, I did order the Wit/Naxos 3 disc Gorecki set which includes the piano recording of it.  Honestly, even though I haven't heard it yet with the piano version....I cannot imagine it will have the same forceful impact as the original harpischord version.

[Maestro267]

Brahms' chamber music. So far, quite literally all of it. I'm working my way through it, currently listening to String Quintet No. 1 as I write (Op. 88) and it's love at first sound.

[Symphonic Addict]

Glad you are finding treasures in his chamber music! I consider his output for chamber ensembles the most satisfying of his pen. If you loved the 1st Quintet, the 2nd in G major will delight you too. The 1st mov. contains some of his best memorable material, refined at its best.

On the other hand, I've seen a suggestion by a member here about a choral canon from the Op. 113. Now, that is beautiful! Hauntingly gorgeous.

[Symphonic Addict]

Tansman: String Quartet No. 5



How intense! An incredible work. The slow movement didn't strike me as very succesful, but the others are sheer fire. It ends softly, though. Any fan of Bartók's quartets will find much enjoyment here.

[relm1]

Wow, such a thrilling performance!!!

[Symphonic Addict]

Great performances indeed, although they don't displace any favorite recording of mine. Also, the sound quality is not ideal. Anyway, glad this fabulous composer is still getting promoted.

[Florestan]

Violin Sonata in D major Op. 12

This is a delightful work, full of charm and grace yet not devoid of passionate or dreamy moments. The delicious Scherzo seems to quote Chopin's Grande Valse Brillante Op. 18. Highly recommended.

[Irons]

Violin Sonata in D major Op. 12

This is a delightful work, full of charm and grace yet not devoid of passionate or dreamy moments. The delicious Scherzo seems to quote Chopin's Grande Valse Brillante Op. 18. Highly recommended.

I knew that cover image rang a bell.

[kyjo]

Glad you are finding treasures in his chamber music! I consider his output for chamber ensembles the most satisfying of his pen. If you loved the 1st Quintet, the 2nd in G major will delight you too. The 1st mov. contains some of his best memorable material, refined at its best.

If only the first movement of the String Quintet no. 2 in G major survived from Brahms' output, it would be enough for me to consider him a great composer. An absolutely remarkable tour-de-force of a movement, full of textural and rhythmic complexity, unbounded energy, and heartfelt melodies. The other movements of the piece are fine, but they have a hard time living up to that magnificent opening movement IMO.

[Irons]

If only the first movement of the String Quintet no. 2 in G major survived from Brahms' output, it would be enough for me to consider him a great composer. An absolutely remarkable tour-de-force of a movement, full of textural and rhythmic complexity, unbounded energy, and heartfelt melodies. The other movements of the piece are fine, but they have a hard time living up to that magnificent opening movement IMO.

So many fabulous pieces for chamber ensembles and yet the string quartet bit of a blind spot (in comparison). Puzzling.