I wonder how many GMG Forum members might remember Karl Hass and his "Hullo, Everyone!", his trademark greeting on his syndicated radio program Adventures in Good Music? Sure do miss him, but am glad to be a newbie here on GMG. I have already been introduced to Ligeti's Clocks and Clouds via GMG membership, so am already a happy camper. My favorite favorites are: Brahms, Berlioz, Debussy, Faure, Szymanowski, Mahler, Wagner, Bax, Delius, Stravinsky, Zemlinsky, Prokofiev, and Poulenc. And YOU for being here!
Quote from: ZauberdrachenNr.7 on March 03, 2014, 05:48:46 PM
I wonder how many GMG Forum members might remember Karl Hass and his "Hullo, Everyone!", his trademark greeting on his syndicated radio program Adventures in Good Music? Sure do miss him, but am glad to be a newbie here on GMG. I have already been introduced to Ligeti's Clocks and Clouds via GMG membership, so am already a happy camper. My favorite favorites are: Brahms, Berlioz, Debussy, Faure, Szymanowski, Mahler, Wagner, Bax, Delius, Stravinsky, Zemlinsky, Prokofiev, and Poulenc. And YOU for being here!
Yes, "Clocks and Clouds" is a wonderful piece -- stunningly beautiful. I am on a personal mission to spread the word on this piece as it is one of Ligeti's lesser-known works. I am being rather tongue-in-cheek by saying this, but you get the idea. If you like "Clocks and Clouds" I recommend "Lontano". You list Debussy as a favorite favorite of yours. "Clocks and Clouds" really is an interesting contemporary analogue to the last of the "Trois Nocturnes".
I've been listening to some Mahler recently. I particularly like his scherzo movements most of all. Debussy is a favorite of mine, though I prefer Ravel. "La Mer", "Trois Nocturnes", "Prelude a l'apres...", and especially "Jeux" are all fantastic. I never really liked his piano pieces so much. I mean, they sound nice, but he's more interesting with orchestra, I think. I need to make a point to listen to Poulenc sometime soon. As popular as Prokofiev is, his work hasn't really drawn me yet.
I love discovering new things on here. Even if I don't like them or appreciate them on an emotional level I still have great fun learning about them. Two pieces that I discovered on here that really stick out as new favorites are Thomas Ades' "Asyla" and Maurice Ohana's second cello concerto "In Dark and Blue". Are you familiar with any of these?
Quote from: EigenUser on March 03, 2014, 07:25:19 PM
Yes, "Clocks and Clouds" is a wonderful piece -- stunningly beautiful. I am on a personal mission to spread the word on this piece as it is one of Ligeti's lesser-known works. I am being rather tongue-in-cheek by saying this, but you get the idea. If you like "Clocks and Clouds" I recommend "Lontano". You list Debussy as a favorite favorite of yours. "Clocks and Clouds" really is an interesting contemporary analogue to the last of the "Trois Nocturnes".
I've been listening to some Mahler recently. I particularly like his scherzo movements most of all. Debussy is a favorite of mine, though I prefer Ravel. "La Mer", "Trois Nocturnes", "Prelude a l'apres...", and especially "Jeux" are all fantastic. I never really liked his piano pieces so much. I mean, they sound nice, but he's more interesting with orchestra, I think. I need to make a point to listen to Poulenc sometime soon. As popular as Prokofiev is, his work hasn't really drawn me yet.
I love discovering new things on here. Even if I don't like them or appreciate them on an emotional level I still have great fun learning about them. Two pieces that I discovered on here that really stick out as new favorites are Thomas Ades' "Asyla" and Maurice Ohana's second cello concerto "In Dark and Blue". Are you familiar with any of these?
Interesting. I am quite the reverse. I find Debussy's orchestral music shallow and dull albeit in a pretty way; it's in his piano music that he is at his best and most original.
Prokofiev, to take my life in my hands here on this site, is most interesting in his piano music too. The sonatas are impressive and my favourite Prok is probably Fugitive Visions for piano. Or VC 2, a perennial crowd pleaser. Alexander Nevsky might appeal to you.
Welcome! There is certainly lots of music to explore. Do you like earlier periods or have you not really explored them much yet?
Quote from: Ken B on March 03, 2014, 07:36:10 PM
Prokofiev, to take my life in my hands here on this site, is most interesting in his piano music too.
QFT. The piano music is a goldmine. (I also evangelise for the Symphony-Concerto, though it hasn't won many followers hereabouts)
I also prefer Debussy's piano music, particularly the Etudes and L'isle joyeuse, to his orchestral works; but I am not a huge Debussy fan anyways.
Quote from: ZauberdrachenNr.7 on March 03, 2014, 05:48:46 PM
I wonder how many GMG Forum members might remember Karl Hass and his "Hullo, Everyone!", his trademark greeting on his syndicated radio program Adventures in Good Music? Sure do miss him, but am glad to be a newbie here on GMG. I have already been introduced to Ligeti's Clocks and Clouds via GMG membership, so am already a happy camper. My favorite favorites are: Brahms, Berlioz, Debussy, Faure, Szymanowski, Mahler, Wagner, Bax, Delius, Stravinsky, Zemlinsky, Prokofiev, and Poulenc. And YOU for being here!
Welcome to the forum!
Nice list indeed - of those, Brahms, Berlioz, Debussy, Fauré, Szymanowski, Mahler, Stravinsky, Prokofiev & Poulenc are among my favourites, for sure.
Quote from: EigenUser on March 03, 2014, 07:25:19 PM
Yes, "Clocks and Clouds" is a wonderful piece -- stunningly beautiful. I am on a personal mission to spread the word on this piece as it is one of Ligeti's lesser-known works. I am being rather tongue-in-cheek by saying this, but you get the idea. If you like "Clocks and Clouds" I recommend "Lontano". You list Debussy as a favorite favorite of yours. "Clocks and Clouds" really is an interesting contemporary analogue to the last of the "Trois Nocturnes".
I've been listening to some Mahler recently. I particularly like his scherzo movements most of all. Debussy is a favorite of mine, though I prefer Ravel. "La Mer", "Trois Nocturnes", "Prelude a l'apres...", and especially "Jeux" are all fantastic. I never really liked his piano pieces so much. I mean, they sound nice, but he's more interesting with orchestra, I think. I need to make a point to listen to Poulenc sometime soon. As popular as Prokofiev is, his work hasn't really drawn me yet.
Time to revisit
Clocks and Clouds... Oh yes, this is excellent. :)
Agreed re: Debussy vs. Ravel, but I like both piano & orchestral (and chamber & operatic) Debussy.
What Proky have you heard? Solo piano, violin sonatas, PCs, VCs, ballets, symphonies, operas?
Quote from: Ken B on March 03, 2014, 07:36:10 PMProkofiev, to take my life in my hands here on this site, is most interesting in his piano music too. The sonatas are impressive and my favourite Prok is probably Fugitive Visions for piano. Or VC 2, a perennial crowd pleaser. Alexander Nevsky might appeal to you.
Great works, all these.
Welcome to the forum, hope you'll have a nice time here!
Great list, many of the composers you mentioned are among my favourites too, Wagner and Mahler above all.
Quote from: EigenUser on March 03, 2014, 07:25:19 PM
Yes, "Clocks and Clouds" is a wonderful piece -- stunningly beautiful. I am on a personal mission to spread the word on this piece as it is one of Ligeti's lesser-known works. I am being rather tongue-in-cheek by saying this, but you get the idea. If you like "Clocks and Clouds" I recommend "Lontano". You list Debussy as a favorite favorite of yours. "Clocks and Clouds" really is an interesting contemporary analogue to the last of the "Trois Nocturnes".
I've been listening to some Mahler recently. I particularly like his scherzo movements most of all. Debussy is a favorite of mine, though I prefer Ravel. "La Mer", "Trois Nocturnes", "Prelude a l'apres...", and especially "Jeux" are all fantastic. I never really liked his piano pieces so much. I mean, they sound nice, but he's more interesting with orchestra, I think. I need to make a point to listen to Poulenc sometime soon. As popular as Prokofiev is, his work hasn't really drawn me yet.
I love discovering new things on here. Even if I don't like them or appreciate them on an emotional level I still have great fun learning about them. Two pieces that I discovered on here that really stick out as new favorites are Thomas Ades' "Asyla" and Maurice Ohana's second cello concerto "In Dark and Blue". Are you familiar with any of these?
Ravel is a brilliant composer (love
Tombeau;
Ma mère l'oye and
L'enfant et les sortileges and he's definitely in my 'Top Twenty' but I can't give him Debussy status - I think innovation has to be credited and recognized; even among his contemporaries (Milhaud,
entre autres) Ravel was viewed as overly conservative, much as it pains me to say that. RE: Claude: you know, I never thought to dissociate his orchestral work from the keyboard and so honestly can't say which I prefer - I feel a bit like Moliere's M. Jourdain who late in life learns the difference between poetry and prose :o. This is something I will have to mull over! I know some of Ades' work but first time to hear of Ohana and will pursue on your recommend! You are batting a thousand with
Clocks and Clouds. THANK YOU! RE: Prokofiev, might I suggest something more intimate, if you haven't heard it? - his first Violin Sonata (I like Mintz and Bronfman on DG). You seem to esp. appreciate evocative works - there's a chilling passage therein that Prokofiev wrote to resemble the sound of "wind in a graveyard." I think he captured it!
Quote from: North Star on March 03, 2014, 10:25:27 PM
Welcome to the forum!
Nice list indeed - of those, Brahms, Berlioz, Debussy, Fauré, Szymanowski, Mahler, Stravinsky, Prokofiev & Poulenc are among my favourites, for sure.
Time to revisit Clocks and Clouds... Oh yes, this is excellent. :)
Agreed re: Debussy vs. Ravel, but I like both piano & orchestral (and chamber & operatic) Debussy.
What Proky have you heard? Solo piano, violin sonatas, PCs, VCs, ballets, symphonies, operas?
Great works, all these.
Prokofiev definitely seems to favor - and be in his element - in the larger scale works but I love his violin sonatas and piano sonatas. I listen to them frequently and often repetitively as their secrets unfold with repeat listens. I used to enjoy the string quartets as well but haven't heard them in over ten years - time to revisit. When it's time to 'rock' - it's the violin concertos. Am I one of the few fans to enjoy his opera - the
Gambler? Speaking of VCs - I sure do enjoy Szymanowksi's - favorites of late - they are so wonderful it makes me hope that a century hence classical fans' top twenty lists might see him turn-up more often - but perhaps they will more to worry about than classical music... :(
Do you know Seven, they are Seven? Great piece.
The Gambler I've heard but I need to hear it again.
Szymanowski's VCs are superb!
Do you know Martinu or Janacek?
Quote from: mc ukrneal on March 03, 2014, 07:38:10 PM
Welcome! There is certainly lots of music to explore. Do you like earlier periods or have you not really explored them much yet?
Yes, thanks for asking, I enjoy French Baroque music very much and I like medieval songs (troubadours) and dances. One of my favorite CDs is on Lyrichord,
French Sacred Music of the 14th century. But, truth to say, I'm happiest in the 20th century (fewer plagues).
Quote from: North Star on March 04, 2014, 05:15:16 AM
Do you know Seven, they are Seven? Great piece.
[ï]The Gambler[/i] I've heard but I need to hear it again.
Szymanowski's VCs are superb!
Do you know Martinu or Janacek?
Nope - heard of but have not heard
Seven. Adding to the List. North Star, you make me sad as I love Janacek enough to feel seriously guilty (GUILTY!!! :'() for not including him in my list of favorites.
The Cunning Little Vixen I have seen one way or another 4x, but I esp. love his Concertino and his piano works (
In the Mist,
On an Overgrown Path) and many others. Also, his biography fascinates.
Quote from: ZauberdrachenNr.7 on March 04, 2014, 05:31:19 AM
Nope - heard of but have not heard Seven. Adding to the List. North Star, you make me sad as I love Janacek enough to feel seriously guilty (GUILTY!!! :'() for not including him in my list of favorites. The Cunning Little Vixen I have seen one way or another 4x, but I esp. love his Concertino and his piano works (In the Mist, On an Overgrown Path) and many others. Also, his biography fascinates.
Splendid, this board needed more
Janacek lovers :) (he's one of my favourites, along with Ravel)
String Quartets and
From the House of the Dead!!
So, what about
Martinů?
Here you go:
http://www.youtube.com/v/IdtHOOxPgCo
Welcome aboard! Nice to have another 20th Century fan among us.
Quote from: ZauberdrachenNr.7 on March 04, 2014, 05:20:14 AM
But, truth to say, I'm happiest in the 20th century (fewer plagues).
;D
Welcome, and hope you don't find any plagues here. I also enjoy most of the composers you list, and Ligeti is one of my favorites.
--Bruce
Quote from: North Star on March 04, 2014, 05:42:06 AM
Splendid, this board needed more Janacek lovers :) (he's one of my favourites, along with Ravel) String Quartets and From the House of the Dead!!
So, what about Martinů?
Here you go:
http://www.youtube.com/v/IdtHOOxPgCo
You ARE the North Star - thanks, the Prokofiev was fascinating. As for Martinu, I am innocent of him. It is a curious thing, I have never to the best of my recollection EVER heard him on the radio. Maybe it's just my bad luck. What can I start with?
Quote from: amw on March 03, 2014, 08:34:49 PM
QFT. The piano music is a goldmine. (I also evangelise for the Symphony-Concerto, though it hasn't won many followers hereabouts)
Oh, did I know that? I pound the table for the
Op.125, too.
Quote from: Ken B on March 03, 2014, 07:36:10 PM
Prokofiev, to take my life in my hands here on this site, is most interesting in his piano music too.
Well, while I don't think that degrades the rest of his work ;) I probably agree: Almost nowhere is
Сергей Сергеевич better than in his piano solo
œuvre.
Quote from: ZauberdrachenNr.7 on March 04, 2014, 10:06:00 AM
You ARE the North Star - thanks, the Prokofiev was fascinating. As for Martinu, I am innocent of him. It is a curious thing, I have never to the best of my recollection EVER heard him on the radio. Maybe it's just my bad luck. What can I start with?
Here are some good places to start, and keep you going for a while if you like the music :)
http://www.youtube.com/v/-9sqT-2f7S4 http://www.youtube.com/v/7nBhO0ll_vI http://www.youtube.com/v/NfgpjCMVNQc
http://www.youtube.com/v/TRoUDvwIXPI http://www.youtube.com/v/3j-RFdjrbIo http://www.youtube.com/v/ofciLQT2EmE
http://www.youtube.com/v/a7xGhYVLiiU http://www.youtube.com/v/lEAPa4_Ylog
Quote from: Mirror Image on March 04, 2014, 06:37:48 AM
Welcome aboard! Nice to have another 20th Century fan among us.
Those who reject minimalism must live in the past John. ;) :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Quote from: Ken B on March 04, 2014, 10:55:17 AM
Those who reject minimalism must live in the past John. ;) :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
But . . .
John likes
Out in the Sun (https://soundcloud.com/karlhenning-1/09-out-in-the-sun)! ;)
Quote from: ZauberdrachenNr.7 on March 04, 2014, 10:06:00 AM
You ARE the North Star - thanks, the Prokofiev was fascinating. As for Martinu, I am innocent of him. It is a curious thing, I have never to the best of my recollection EVER heard him on the radio. Maybe it's just my bad luck. What can I start with?
Me neither, except on my show. I find classical radio very standard rep biased these days. I programmed Martinu's symphonies back in the late 70s. Diamond, van Vactor, Schuman, Piston, Rosenberg, Martin, Rosza, lots more.
Even once, John, Dappapicolla.
Quote from: Ken B on March 04, 2014, 12:41:50 PM
Me neither, except on my show. I find classical radio very standard rep biased these days. I programmed Martinu's symphonies back in the late 70s. Diamond, van Vactor, Schuman, Piston, Rosenberg, Martin, Rosza, lots more.
Even once, John, Dappapicolla.
Holy Frijoles! I am listening to Martinu's 4th symphony on North Star's recommend and am taking an immediate liking to it - so freshly textured, inventive, expressive, spirited and might I add
français? (Since confirmed by a quick check in
Ewen as to his influences). How can I not love it? More importantly, where have I been all these years? I feel deprived, if not depraved, but thank St. Cecilia, North Star and GMG for redemption near the (relatively) end. BTW, I used to live 1/2 mile from David Diamond's house, in Rochester. Could never drum-up the courage (or rudeness) to visit him unannounced - though, one never knows, he may have been flattered. He could stand more appreciation, definitely. I own several of his French books, sold to a bookstore in Rochester after his death. A couple of blocks away from him lived - in relative seclusion for many years - Louise Brooks. Talented neighborhood!
Quote from: ZauberdrachenNr.7 on March 04, 2014, 01:07:26 PM
Holy Frijoles! I am listening to Martinu's 4th symphony on North Star's recommend and am taking an immediate liking to it - so freshly textured, inventive, expressive, spirited and might I add français? (Since confirmed by a quick check in Ewen as to his influences). How can I not love it? More importantly, where have I been all these years? I feel deprived, if not depraved, but thank St. Cecilia, North Star and GMG for redemption near the (relatively) end. BTW, I used to live 1/2 mile from David Diamond's house, in Rochester. Could never drum-up the courage (or rudeness) to visit him unannounced - though, one never knows, he may have been flattered. He could stand more appreciation, definitely. I own several of his French books, sold to a bookstore in Rochester after his death. A couple of blocks away from him lived - in relative seclusion for many years - Louise Brooks. Talented neighborhood!
Oh, you should have. My HS librarian liked classical music and wrote to Shostakovich. He got a hand written thank you. Cool in itself, but even the world's most famous symphonist liked fan mail!
Quote from: karlhenning on March 04, 2014, 10:56:59 AM
But . . . John likes Out in the Sun (https://soundcloud.com/karlhenning-1/09-out-in-the-sun)! ;)
And that's a freakin' great piece of music no matter what one wants to call it! 8) As Ellington said "There's good music and then there's the other kind."
Quote from: Ken B on March 04, 2014, 10:55:17 AM
Those who reject minimalism must live in the past John. ;) :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Ah, but there's more to the 20th Century than Minimalism of course. ;D
Quote from: ZauberdrachenNr.7 on March 03, 2014, 05:48:46 PM
I wonder how many GMG Forum members might remember Karl Hass and his "Hullo, Everyone!", his trademark greeting on his syndicated radio program Adventures in Good Music? Sure do miss him, but am glad to be a newbie here on GMG. I have already been introduced to Ligeti's Clocks and Clouds via GMG membership, so am already a happy camper. My favorite favorites are: Brahms, Berlioz, Debussy, Faure, Szymanowski, Mahler, Wagner, Bax, Delius, Stravinsky, Zemlinsky, Prokofiev, and Poulenc. And YOU for being here!
What do think about Bartok, Shostakovich, Schoenberg, Berg, Ravel, and Debussy? Karlo (North Star) already has Janacek and Martinu covered I see. 8)
Quote from: Mirror Image on March 04, 2014, 08:08:15 PM
What do think about Bartok, Shostakovich, Schoenberg, Berg, Ravel, and Debussy? Karlo (North Star) already has Janacek and Martinu covered I see. 8)
Debussy is in my top ten; I like him so much the distinction made here by many GMGers between his orchestral and keyboard works seems new and curious to me - so great is his pianistic palette! One glorious summer all I listened to was Debussy's (and Poulenc's)
Mélodies. That came about as close to pure and absolute happiness as I think one can come. Ravel is easily in my Top 20, despite
Bolero >:D. Berg's VC, SQ I enjoy very much and of course
Wozzeck and
Lulu; he is another composer whose life and personality fascinate. Bartok I listen to with great enjoyment - the two VCs for sure and two of the PCs (there's one more PC I still haven't heard!) and the SQs and
Bluebeard. Whenever I listen to Shosty, as some GMGers affectionately call him, he always impresses and I turn to the SQs often, and I've a recording of the Chamber Symphony and the Symphony for Strings and Winds I really love (Chamber Orchestra of Europe) but I don't listen to the symphonies much - partly and this strikes me as foolish but it's there and I'm subject to it - I don't want a history lesson when I'm listening to music - the Eastern Front depresses me no end as does Stalin. Schoenberg in my teen years was the
first 20th century composer I listened to! It might well have turned me off of music, but no! The upside is that his musical language seems not unusual to me (
Verklärte Nacht and the PC were early favorites and I like Pollini in the solo piano music. I remember Freshman year in college late one night taking a break from my job at the circulation desk and going to the listening room - I liked
Pierrot Lunaire a lot, cued that up and was listening with great delight, very LOUD and sans headphones (some models make my ears too warm) and in comes the Director of the Library! Thought I'd be fired for sure - she just stared at me for an agonizing moment, no visible sign of reproach (nor of delight, to be sure) quietly closed the door and left the building to me and Pierrot.
A work that IMHO can be listened to over and over again with ever-expanding delight is Canteloube's
Chants d'Auvergne - and perhaps because he's a one-hit wonder you hardly ever hear him talked about (I will have to check the GMG Index on that score)
Quote from: ZauberdrachenNr.7 on March 05, 2014, 05:29:48 AM
Debussy is in my top ten; I like him so much the distinction made here by many GMGers between his orchestral and keyboard works seems new and curious to me - so great is his pianistic palette! One glorious summer all I listened to was Debussy's (and Poulenc's) Mélodies. That came about as close to pure and absolute happiness as I think one can come. Ravel is easily in my Top 20, despite Bolero >:D. Berg's VC, SQ I enjoy very much and of course Wozzeck and Lulu; he is another composer whose life and personality fascinate. Bartok I listen to with great enjoyment - the two VCs for sure and two of the PCs (there's one more PC I still haven't heard!) and the SQs and Bluebeard. Whenever I listen to Shosty, as some GMGers affectionately call him, he always impresses and I turn to the SQs often, and I've a recording of the Chamber Symphony and the Symphony for Strings and Winds I really love (Chamber Orchestra of Europe) but I don't listen to the symphonies much - partly and this strikes me as foolish but it's there and I'm subject to it - I don't want a history lesson when I'm listening to music - the Eastern Front depresses me no end as does Stalin. Schoenberg in my teen years was the first 20th century composer I listened to! It might well have turned me off of music, but no! The upside is that his musical language seems not unusual to me (Verklärte Nacht and the PC were early favorites and I like Pollini in the solo piano music. I remember Freshman year in college late one night taking a break from my job at the circulation desk and going to the listening room - I liked Pierrot Lunaire a lot, cued that up and was listening with great delight, very LOUD and sans headphones (some models make my ears too warm) and in comes the Director of the Library! Thought I'd be fired for sure - she just stared at me for an agonizing moment, no visible sign of reproach (nor of delight, to be sure) quietly closed the door and left the building to me and Pierrot.
A work that IMHO can be listened to over and over again with ever-expanding delight is Canteloube's Chants d'Auvergne - and perhaps because he's a one-hit wonder you hardly ever hear him talked about (I will have to check the GMG Index on that score)
Excellent and thanks for sharing this with all of us. Good to know what you enjoy that way it's easier to give you recommendations.
BTW, Debussy's orchestral, chamber, and solo piano music are of equal merit IMHO. You can't go wrong with any of those genres that he composed for. The chamber music, however, has a special place in my heart.
"One glorious summer all I listened to was Debussy's (and Poulenc's) Mélodies. "
I recommend Faure's and Chausson's and Roussel's then.
Standing recommendation: Schubert was the greatest composer of art songs, followed by R Strauss and H Wolf. Given in to the German side. We have cookies.
Quote from: Ken B on March 05, 2014, 07:30:59 AM
"One glorious summer all I listened to was Debussy's (and Poulenc's) Mélodies. "
I recommend Faure's and Chausson's and Roussel's then.
Standing recommendation: Schubert was the greatest composer of art songs, followed by R Strauss and H Wolf. Given in to the German side. We have cookies.
Thank you - I love Schubert
and cookies (the French do make them - they just don't eat as many! Trader Joe's has coconut cookies from Avranches - and they are
delectable) and
tiny by American standards. Janet Baker and Elly Ameling and of course Dietrich in the Schubert. But beyond Chausson's
Poeme de l'amour et de la mer, I haven't heard and my knowledge of Roussel is limited to the symphonies and some chamber work. I must pursue and will report back on my findings. My shelves are fit to burst with Faure interpretations - these are good recommends for which I'm grateful. BTW, have you had the impression that Schubert's star is rising? (that is, awareness of him and appreciation for him). Mozart's receding a bit? Just a personal sixth sense more than anything. I always wonder what future generations will think of our venerables and how taste and perceptions will change. One thing I think is for certain - Stravinsky will be seen as the Bach of the 20th century. (An Eastman School student told me last year that Igor is already viewed as such.)
Quote from: Mirror Image on March 05, 2014, 07:18:11 AM
BTW, Debussy's orchestral, chamber, and solo piano music are of equal merit IMHO. You can't go wrong with any of those genres that he composed for. The chamber music, however, has a special place in my heart.
I concur - I was surprised and a bit taken aback by the distinction made by some posters. But it did make me reflect on same. The chamber music goes straight to the soul, doesn't it? Esp. the SQ (in Gm - my favorite key).
Quote from: ZauberdrachenNr.7 on March 05, 2014, 08:19:36 AM
Thank you - I love Schubert and cookies (the French do make them - they just don't eat as many! Trader Joe's has coconut cookies from Avranches - and they are delectable) and tiny by American standards. Janet Baker and Elly Ameling and of course Dietrich in the Schubert. But beyond Chausson's Poeme de l'amour et de la mer, I haven't heard and my knowledge of Roussel is limited to the symphonies and some chamber work. I must pursue and will report back on my findings. My shelves are fit to burst with Faure interpretations - these are good recommends for which I'm grateful. BTW, have you had the impression that Schubert's star is rising? (that is, awareness of him and appreciation for him). Mozart's receding a bit? Just a personal sixth sense more than anything. I always wonder what future generations will think of our venerables and how taste and perceptions will change. One thing I think is for certain - Stravinsky will be seen as the Bach of the 20th century.
I agree about Igor.
It does usually take time to shake out and contemporaries often react to stuff that dates badly.
My opinions on what will last and what won't, spoken aloud on this site, would get me strung up. :) I will venture that Serialism and Dodecaphony will be looked back at like Freudianism or Skinnerism: a cult that wasted the talents of three generations and did grievous harm to musical life and to other composers of the era struggling for attention.
As for Mozart you might be seeing a side effect of HIPing. As HIP took over baroque mainline orchestras moved out of that repertoire. HIP is currently eating Haydn, Mozart [I mean it is being seen as
incorrect to not be HIP with this music, much as it has been for a while now with baroque] and nibbling on Beethoven. And the differences are greater with H&M than with B. So major orchestras are retreating from that period a bit I think.
Is Schubert rising? Dunno.
I don't think the big bands will ever surrender Beethoven; he sounds too good with the large forces (and his name is etched on the proscenium of Boston's Symphony Hall).
Quote from: ZauberdrachenNr.7 on March 05, 2014, 08:28:53 AM
I concur - I was surprised and a bit taken aback by the distinction made by some posters. But it did make me reflect on same. The chamber music goes straight to the soul, doesn't it? Esp. the SQ (in Gm - my favorite key).
La Mer and the
Sonata for Flute, Viola, and Harp are on the same brilliant level, but their means for expression are obviously different but are no less compelling for that fact.
Quote from: ZauberdrachenNr.7 on March 04, 2014, 01:07:26 PM
Holy Frijoles! I am listening to Martinu's 4th symphony on North Star's recommend and am taking an immediate liking to it - so freshly textured, inventive, expressive, spirited and might I add français? (Since confirmed by a quick check in Ewen as to his influences). How can I not love it? More importantly, where have I been all these years? I feel deprived, if not depraved, but thank St. Cecilia, North Star and GMG for redemption near the (relatively) end.
Splendid! I knew you would love Martinu. :)
Quote from: ZauberdrachenNr.7 on March 05, 2014, 08:28:53 AM
I concur - I was surprised and a bit taken aback by the distinction made by some posters. But it did make me reflect on same. The chamber music goes straight to the soul, doesn't it? Esp. the SQ (in Gm - my favorite key).
Why taken aback? Is it controversial to say Chopin's piano music is better than his orchestral? Is Sibelius known for his piano music? Not all composers excel equally in all areas.
Quote from: Ken B on March 06, 2014, 12:55:01 PM
Why taken aback? Is it controversial to say Chopin's piano music is better than his orchestral? Is Sibelius known for his piano music? Not all composers excel equally in all areas.
But Ravel & Debussy are not among those composers that don't excel in all areas.
Quote from: North Star on March 06, 2014, 12:57:09 PM
But Ravel & Debussy are not among those composers that don't excel in all areas.
Well some of us don't agree. 8) but would anyone be taken aback if I claimed late Beethoven is better tha early or mid? Because it's the same claim. Debussy last orchestral piece was 6 years before he died, and much of the piano and chamber comes from those 6 years. Orchestral Debussy is mid or early Debussy.
You might not agree with the two of us who said so, but it's not a shocking opinion, and it's not remotely uncommon, quite the opposite.
Quote from: Ken B on March 06, 2014, 12:55:01 PM
Why taken aback? Is it controversial to say Chopin's piano music is better than his orchestral? Is Sibelius known for his piano music? Not all composers excel equally in all areas.
Good question Ken B. You'll remember my allusion to the
Bourgeois Gentilhomme who late in life learns the difference between poetry and prose. My idiosyncrasy, really; I have never distinguished Debussy's orchestral work from his keyboard work and chamber work. I don't do that with other composers, that I can think of anyway. I readily agree that few composers' work excels in all areas of musical form. Debussy's
oeuvre seems all of a piece to me and I never
consciously recognized that until our conversation thread! This may be suggestive of his great genius, as clumsily perceived by yours truly, or revealing only of my own, as I say, idiosyncrasy. I believe I hear, and sometimes see, the same colorings and inner voices in the different forms and I can honestly say that I never think, 'oh, let's hear some of Debussy's keyboard work, or something symphonic.' It's always Debussy.
La Mer, is a possible exception, I listen to it deliberately and so often it transcends
any definition of musical form, it is the Sea and different conductors and orchestras show me different seas. I hope I don't need counseling! I once saw the score to
La Mer - it is one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen; he used different colors to identify his revisions. If there are musicological explanations and analyses that differentiate Debussy's techniques across forms I would be glad to learn them. I'll take a look at
Grove tonight!
Quote from: North Star on March 06, 2014, 12:38:45 PM
Splendid! I knew you would love Martinu. :)
I fear it's more than love - we're talking a new arrival to ZauberdrachenNr.7's
Top Ten. Thanks again.
Quote from: ZauberdrachenNr.7 on March 06, 2014, 03:39:33 PM
I fear it's more than love - we're talking a new arrival to ZauberdrachenNr.7's Top Ten. Thanks again.
Wow, that's excellent. I love Martinu's music. The symphonies are definitely a great place to start. Check out either Bryden Thomson's set on Chandos or Jiri Belohlavek's set on Onyx. Both get a strong recommendation from me. If you need any more recommendations, then don't hesitate to ask any of us. You may want to visit Martinu's composer thread, too, whenever you get the chance. Lots of good stuff there.
http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,3689.msg89304.html#msg89304
Quote from: Mirror Image on March 07, 2014, 05:41:59 PM
Wow, that's excellent. I love Martinu's music. The symphonies are definitely a great place to start. Check out either Bryden Thomson's set on Chandos or Jiri Belohlavek's set on Onyx. Both get a strong recommendation from me. If you need any more recommendations, then don't hesitate to ask any of us. You may want to visit Martinu's composer thread, too, whenever you get the chance. Lots of good stuff there.
http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,3689.msg89304.html#msg89304
I second these. I have only heard one of Jarvi, a Bis recording on Brilliant, and it was fine. I was unhappy with the Naxos symphonies. This music demands super tight ensemble playing that was lacking. The RCA Red Seal was OK, but not up to the ones John mentions. Charles MacKerras is excellent in a lot of stuff with Martinu.
The chamber music on Naxos is excellent.
Martinu's own favorite was the double concerto. The piano music is nice, but not echt Martinu.
Quote from: Ken B on March 07, 2014, 06:31:35 PM
I second these. I have only heard one of Jarvi, a Bis recording on Brilliant, and it was fine. I was unhappy with the Naxos symphonies. This music demands super tight ensemble playing that was lacking. The RCA Red Seal was OK, but not up to the ones John mentions. Charles MacKerras is excellent in a lot of stuff with Martinu.
The chamber music on Naxos is excellent.
Martinu's own favorite was the double concerto. The piano music is nice, but not echt Martinu.
Mackerras was good in Martinu no question about it. I just wished he had recorded more of his music, especially the complete opera of
Julietta. But we did get some fine recordings like the opera
The Greek Passion and
Field Mass. Yes, Mackerras did record
Concerto for Double String Orchestra, but I find Belohlavek's on Chandos w/ the CzPO more rhythmically tight. Also, I can heartily recommend the 'French' Neoclassical ballets (
Le Raid merveilleux, La Revue de Cuisine, and
On Tourne for example). The concertante works are also worth checking out. I love the VCs, CCs, and the
Oboe Concerto. Really top-notch works.
Anyway, I could go on and on about Martinu, but I'm already boring myself. :)
And don't forget the Nonet No. 2 and other chamber works!
[asin]B000007NE9[/asin]
Martinu is really something special to me - thanks, the three of you!!!
Some more Martinu :)
Julietta fragments
http://www.youtube.com/v/GivjecigO1g http://www.youtube.com/v/kRQM6n0cG1o
The Epic of Gilgamesh
http://www.youtube.com/v/8clFm_bvj1s
Am considering legally changing my username to: Zauberdrachenů
Quote from: ZauberdrachenNr.7 on March 10, 2014, 09:28:30 AM
Am considering legally changing my username to: Zauberdrachenů
:P
Quote from: ZauberdrachenNr.7 on March 10, 2014, 09:28:30 AM
Am considering legally changing my username to: Zauberdrachenů
Splendid, that would help with writing Martinů's name correctly on the forums, too
Quote from: North Star on March 10, 2014, 10:01:19 AM
Splendid, that would help with writing Martinů's name correctly on the forums, too
Sez yoů! ;)