I realise that this may well be of minority interest and a strong candidate for the 0 response competition but here are my choices:
Symphony 3 (worthy IMHO to stand alongside other more famous American third symphonies)
Dies Natalis
Pan and the Priest
Lament for Beowulf
Elegy for Koussevitsky
Let's see how far I can go with this:
Symphony #3
Piano Concerto
Merry Mount
Dies Natalis
OK, this is as far as I can go...
Quote from: springrite on August 26, 2016, 05:47:41 AM
Let's see how far I can go with this:
Symphony #3
Piano Concerto
Merry Mount
Dies Natalis
OK, this is as far as I can go...
Quite a challenge, really. (For most of us 8) )
Yeah, I couldn't even begin to imagine making a list for Hanson, especially when there's Ives, Copland, Barber, Diamond, and Schuman clogging up my ear canals whenever I'm listening to American composers. ;)
I've listened to five of the symphonies. But in a list of five where only one can be a symphony, the rest of the list would be Everything by Hanson Not a Symphony I've Heard (almost) — which I think doesn't quite answer the request for five favorite works :)
Quote from: karlhenning on August 26, 2016, 07:02:19 AM
I've listened to five of the symphonies. But in a list of five where only one can be a symphony, the rest of the list would be Everything by Hanson Not a Symphony I've Heard (almost) — which I think doesn't quite answer the request for five favorite works :)
Indeed. Like you said, a challenge for most of us.
OK - after a unanimous vote (me and the cat) I've decided to change the rules so now two symphonies allowed. I'm just delighted that anyone responded. Hanson's music can often be seen as too 'Hollywoody' but I find him underrated. I agree with Paul that the Piano Concerto is one of his best works. I'd select Symphony 1 'Nordic' as my other symphonic choice. The more popular No.2 'Romantic' is not one of my favourites. Koussevitsky's recording of Hanson's Symphony 3 makes it sound like a sibelian masterpiece and has an intensity unlike any other recording of a Hanson symphony known to me.
I really should revisit the Schwarz Hanson set on Delos, but it'll have to be awhile since I'm pretty preoccupied with other music at the moment.
I've quite come around on Hanson's music. My first experience was poor, but that was (in hindsight) absolutely no fault of the composer's . . . at the tail end of a Community Band rehearsal one evening, we started to read the band transcription of a slowish movement. The experience was iconically hellish, and it did unfortunately "brand" Hanson in my mind.
But Jeffrey's Hanson thread worked a gradual rehabilitation 8) and in fact I even enjoy the first two symphonies. (The band transcription was of some movement or other from either the First or the Second.)
Quote from: vandermolen on August 26, 2016, 07:36:49 AM
OK - after a unanimous vote (me and the cat) I've decided to change the rules so now two symphonies allowed. I'm just delighted that anyone responded. Hanson's music can often be seen as too 'Hollywoody' but I find him underrated. I agree with Paul that the Piano Concerto is one of his best works. I'd select Symphony 1 'Nordic' as my other symphonic choice. The more popular No.2 'Romantic' is not one of my favourites. Koussevitsky's recording of Hanson's Symphony 3 makes it sound like a sibelian masterpiece and has an intensity unlike any other recording of a Hanson symphony known to me.
Like you, I'd add the Nordic rather than the Romantic, which is probably the one work that gave people the hollywoody impression of his music and deservedly so.
I have, of course, only heard parts of Merry Mount, which sounded absolutely wonderful.
Quote from: Mirror Image on August 26, 2016, 07:44:20 AM
I really should revisit the Schwarz Hanson set on Delos, but it'll have to be awhile since I'm pretty preoccupied with other music at the moment.
I'll let you off for the moment John. 8)
Quote from: vandermolen on August 26, 2016, 01:27:18 AM
I realise that this may well be of minority interest and a strong candidate for the 0 response competition but here are my choices:
Symphony 3 (worthy IMHO to stand alongside other more famous American third symphonies)
Dies Natalis
Pan and the Priest
Lament for Beowulf
Elegy for Koussevitsky
Why only 1 symphony allowed??
Sym #3 - an excellent work it does stand up well along with other famous American 3rds...
Sym #1
Merry Mount Suite - the "Love Duet" wipes me out every time..
Merry Mount opera - complete
Chorale and Allelujia
Thanks for the responses. I need to get to know Merry Mount as I only know the orchestral suite from it.
The first 2 symphonies and the wonderful Serenade for Flute, Harp and Strings.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKtqFJqhGO8 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKtqFJqhGO8)
Symphony No.1 "Nordic"
Symphony No.2 "Romantic"
Serenade for Flute, Harp and Strings op.35
Dies Natalis
Lux Aeterna
Quote from: PerfectWagnerite on August 26, 2016, 02:28:36 PM
The first 2 symphonies and the wonderful Serenade for Flute, Harp and Strings.
You beat me to the punch ;D
Sarge
I believe Hanson is the victim of a kind of double whammy : his bad rep as the tyrannical administrator of the Eastman School and the composer of the "saccharine" Romantic Symphony, for better or worse his most programmed work (at least on radio). He merits better and it's gratifying to see some enthusiasts here. And yes, there's much to enjoy in his second symphony and I make no apologies.
Bold Island Suite
Symphonies 1&2
Pastorale for Oboe, Harp & Strings
Elegy
and the PC as a lagniappe 'cause I so deserve it.
Quote from: Ghost Sonata on August 26, 2016, 04:14:47 PM
Pastorale for Oboe, Harp & Strings
Elegy
Yes both masterpieces ! How could I have forgotten those.
Quote from: Sergeant Rock on August 26, 2016, 02:56:03 PM
You beat me to the punch ;D
Sarge
Yes I really like the Serenade for Flute, Harp and Strings. Too bad not too many recordings available though. Mine is from here:
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41cq0fuh0NL.jpg) with Stokowski conducting the NYPO from 1949.
Recently I ordered this one but has not arrived yet:
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/A1ABTDsb-rS._SX425_.jpg)
Quote from: Ghost Sonata on August 26, 2016, 04:14:47 PM
I believe Hanson is the victim of a kind of double whammy : his bad rep as the tyrannical administrator of the Eastman School and the composer of the "saccharine" Romantic Symphony, for better or worse his most programmed work (at least on radio). He merits better and it's gratifying to see some enthusiasts here. And yes, there's much to enjoy in his second symphony and I make no apologies.
Bold Island Suite
Symphonies 1&2
Pastorale for Oboe, Harp & Strings
Elegy
and the PC as a lagniappe 'cause I so deserve it.
Very interesting post. I'd forgotten about the Bold Island Suite which I should have included myself - it is a wonderful score and surprising there is only one recording as far as I can see on an excellent Telarc release. Sorry to hear that Hanson was a tyrannical administrator. I know that he had some run ins with David Diamond, who could be a difficult character (although he sent me a charming response to my fan letter):
[asin]B000AQKUDG[/asin]
Quote from: PerfectWagnerite on August 26, 2016, 05:11:49 PM
Yes both masterpieces ! How could I have forgotten those.
Yes I really like the Serenade for Flute, Harp and Strings. Too bad not too many recordings available though. Mine is from here:
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41cq0fuh0NL.jpg) with Stokowski conducting the NYPO from 1949.
I have it conducted by Schwarz (and the CD also contains the wonderful Oboe Pastorale):
(http://photos.imageevent.com/sgtrock/feb2010/hansonsym4schwarz.jpg)
Sarge
Quote from: Sergeant Rock on August 27, 2016, 03:44:09 AM
I have it conducted by Schwarz (and the CD also contains the wonderful Oboe Pastorale):
(http://photos.imageevent.com/sgtrock/feb2010/hansonsym4schwarz.jpg)
Sarge
No kidding ! I have that recording - as well as all the other ones in the series. I don't even remember it since Schwarz is such a big bore !
The cover art doesn't even say the Serenade or the Pastorale if you can believe it. Maybe because they are not performed by the Seattle SO....very strange. If they just make the font smaller they could have fit all the titles in like this:
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61ewSR06apL._SX425_.jpg)
Quote from: vandermolen on August 26, 2016, 11:58:51 PM
I know that he had some run ins with David Diamond...
Some of that - though not all - was homophobia, plain and ugly. Now both composers are united in need of greater love and appreciation! (Barry Paris (author of bios on Garbo, Hepburn, Louise Brooks, et al) is at work on one about David Diamond I'm looking forward to).
Quote from: Ghost Sonata on August 27, 2016, 05:29:44 AM
Some of that - though not all - was homophobia, plain and ugly. Now both composers are united in need of greater love and appreciation! (Barry Paris (author of bios on Garbo, Hepburn, Louise Brooks, et al) is at work on one about David Diamond I'm looking forward to).
Well, that doesn't reflect very well on HH. I'd love to read a biography of Diamond whose music I greatly enjoy.
Quote from: Ghost Sonata on August 26, 2016, 04:14:47 PM
I believe Hanson is the victim of a kind of double whammy : his bad rep as the tyrannical administrator of the Eastman School and the composer of the "saccharine" Romantic Symphony, for better or worse his most programmed work (at least on radio).
The "Romantic" Sym #2, of Hanson is his best known, but not his best. both Syms 1 & 3 surpass it, IMO...structurally tighter...better organized...Romantic can be a bit episodic. I played this piece at Eastman, with Hanson conducting...it certainly has its striking moments for sure...but for me, the flow is better in #3, a fine work, and #1 also.
Quote from: Heck148 on August 27, 2016, 10:24:38 AM
The "Romantic" Sym #2, of Hanson is his best known, but not his best. both Syms 1 & 3 surpass it, IMO...structurally tighter...better organized...Romantic can be a bit episodic. I played this piece at Eastman, with Hanson conducting...it certainly has its striking moments for sure...but for me, the flow is better in #3, a fine work, and #1 also.
I agree - both the "Nordic" and #3 are superior. I'm a bit puzzled by their neglect, as I think both would go down well with an audience that likes Sibelius and other Nordic composers. (I think of Hanson as basically the American version of Atterberg.) #2 is OK, but as some have mentioned, too "Hollywoody."
The 6th Symphony is an intriguing work - mainstream modernist in sound, innovative in structure. I have it on an old LP by some NY-area suburban orchestra. I suspect there's a great recording of it just waiting to be made. I haven't heard Schwarz's later version, so I can't compare them.
Quote from: Archaic Torso of Apollo on August 27, 2016, 11:23:39 AM
I agree - both the "Nordic" and #3 are superior. I'm a bit puzzled by their neglect,
Ugh, I do not think the Nordic suffers from neglect at all. It is a very popular work, just as popular as the Romantic.
Quote from: PerfectWagnerite on August 27, 2016, 12:39:27 PM
Ugh, I do not think the Nordic suffers from neglect at all. It is a very popular work, just as popular as the Romantic.
I don't think any Hanson symphony is popular nowadays. The "Romantic" used to be, but performances seem to be few and far between now. I can't recall ever seeing the "Nordic" on any concert program.
Quote from: Heck148 on August 27, 2016, 10:24:38 AM
The "Romantic" Sym #2, of Hanson is his best known, but not his best. both Syms 1 & 3 surpass it, IMO...structurally tighter...better organized...Romantic can be a bit episodic. I played this piece at Eastman, with Hanson conducting...it certainly has its striking moments for sure...but for me, the flow is better in #3, a fine work, and #1 also.
I think you are right, Heck - except that
mon coeur a ses raisons que la raison ne connait point. Also,
episodic is arguably part and parcel of Romantic music, literature and painting...hence the title. Do you have any anecdotes or memories of HH you could share, fond or otherwise?
Quote from: Archaic Torso of Apollo on August 27, 2016, 12:53:30 PM
I don't think any Hanson symphony is popular nowadays. The "Romantic" used to be, but performances seem to be few and far between now. I can't recall ever seeing the "Nordic" on any concert program.
American composers whose works don't sound particularly "American" whatever that means are going to have a hard time. This includes Chadwick, J.K. Paine, G.T. Strong etc..
Quote from: Archaic Torso of Apollo on August 27, 2016, 12:53:30 PM
I don't think any Hanson symphony is popular nowadays. The "Romantic" used to be, but performances seem to be few and far between now. I can't recall ever seeing the "Nordic" on any concert program.
I think your assessment of the present situation, is fair.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
Quote from: PerfectWagnerite on August 27, 2016, 01:13:07 PM
American composers whose works don't sound particularly "American" whatever that means are going to have a hard time. This includes Chadwick, J.K. Paine, G.T. Strong etc..
Well, I think that in the case of
Chadwick and
Paine (I am drawing a blank viz.
Strong), there are not many conductors who feel that their work reaches the level of quite a number of other under-represented American composers.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
Quote from: Ghost Sonata on August 27, 2016, 01:10:29 PM
Do you have any anecdotes or memories of HH you could share, fond or otherwise?
I remember that Hanson was quite definite about what he wanted..his stick technique was not to precise, but once you saw how it worked, it wasn't too difficult to follow him...He liked lots of sound - in fact he 2bled the brass for the Romantic...but he also wanted the soft end of the dynamics as well...the famous 2nd mvt theme was played very quietly, with the flutes carrying the well known melody...it is quite heavily scored, so it is up to the conductor to quiet the ensemble to allow the flutes to sound the melody,
dolce, softly, gently...Hanson also liked to have the inner rhythmic parts played out, with accents placed accordingly - ie - the bassoon/cello 8th note figures in the finale [prior to the brass fanfares] - this is straight 8th notes in 4/4 time - but the rhythm pattern is 3 against 4: >--> / -->- / ->-- / >--> / -->- / ,3,, o. Hanson wanted those cross-rhythm accents punched out with gusto.
Interestingly enough, I performed this symphony with two other orchestras during my professional career - with the first orchestra, the conductor was delighted that one of his musicians had performed the work with the composer, and we talked quite a bit about how Hanson conducted it...at pre-concert talks, this conductor most enthusiastically told his concert-going audiences that an orchestra member had played the Romantic with Hanson. It was a good performance and the orchestra acquitted itself well.
with orchestra #2 - different scene entirely - conductor was a fat-assed phony, very insecure, and it somehow rankled him terribly that one of his musicians actually had experience far beyond his own meager musical endeavors...he never once asked me about it, nor did he ever mention anything about it in his pre-concert talks....it was very strange indeed....needless to say, that performance was considerably short of an acceptable goal of performance...this guy was quite clueless...and obviously wished to remain so...
Quote from: Sergeant Rock on August 27, 2016, 03:44:09 AM
I have it conducted by Schwarz (and the CD also contains the wonderful Oboe Pastorale):
(http://photos.imageevent.com/sgtrock/feb2010/hansonsym4schwarz.jpg)
Schwarz/Seattle give a fine performance of "Merrymount" Suite. it is different but equal to Hanson's recording with Eastman-Rochester...
Quote from: Archaic Torso of Apollo on August 27, 2016, 11:23:39 AM
I agree - both the "Nordic" and #3 are superior. I'm a bit puzzled by their neglect, as I think both would go down well with an audience that likes Sibelius and other Nordic composers. (I think of Hanson as basically the American version of Atterberg.)
I subconsciously classify Sibelius, Nielsen and Hanson together, as "Scandinavian" School..Hanson is obviously American - but his sonorities, the big tunes, the big brassy, craggy climaxes are reminiscent of Sibelius and Nielsen, at least for me.
Quote from: Heck148 on August 27, 2016, 03:49:40 PM
I remember that Hanson was quite definite about what he wanted..his stick technique was not to precise, but once you saw how it worked, it wasn't too difficult to follow him...He liked lots of sound - in fact he 2bled the brass for the Romantic...but he also wanted the soft end of the dynamics as well...the famous 2nd mvt theme was played very quietly, with the flutes carrying the well known melody...it is quite heavily scored, so it is up to the conductor to quiet the ensemble to allow the flutes to sound the melody, dolce, softly, gently...Hanson also liked to have the inner rhythmic parts played out, with accents placed accordingly - ie - the bassoon/cello 8th note figures in the finale [prior to the brass fanfares] - this is straight 8th notes in 4/4 time - but the rhythm pattern is 3 against 4: >--> / -->- / ->-- / >--> / -->- / ,3,, o. Hanson wanted those cross-rhythm accents punched out with gusto.
Interestingly enough, I performed this symphony with two other orchestras during my professional career - with the first orchestra, the conductor was delighted that one of his musicians had performed the work with the composer, and we talked quite a bit about how Hanson conducted it...at pre-concert talks, this conductor most enthusiastically told his concert-going audiences that an orchestra member had played the Romantic with Hanson. It was a good performance and the orchestra acquitted itself well.
with orchestra #2 - different scene entirely - conductor was a fat-assed phony, very insecure, and it somehow rankled him terribly that one of his musicians actually had experience far beyond his own meager musical endeavors...he never once asked me about it, nor did he ever mention anything about it in his pre-concert talks....it was very strange indeed....needless to say, that performance was considerably short of an acceptable goal of performance...this guy was quite clueless...and obviously wished to remain so...
Very interesting. Thank you for sharing this with us. I also agree with your categorisation of Hanson with the 'Scandinavian school' with the post above this one. Many British and American composers of that period were influenced by the great Finn including Vaughan Williams (Symphony 5) and Roy Harris (Symphony 3/7) as examples perhaps.
Quote from: vandermolen on August 27, 2016, 11:15:05 PM
Very interesting. Thank you for sharing this with us. I also agree with your categorisation of Hanson with the 'Scandinavian school' with the post above this one. Many British and American composers of that period were influenced by the great Finn including Vaughan Williams (Symphony 5) and Roy Harris (Symphony 3/7) as examples perhaps.
That's partially the reason HH has sort of fallen out of fashion. It is not cool to be of Scandanavian school when you are American. The same goes for J. K. Paine. Edward McDowell etc. who really weren't much of pioneers in creating the so-called "American" sound.
Quote from: Heck148 on August 27, 2016, 03:49:40 PM
I remember that Hanson was quite definite about what he wanted...
Thank you,
Heck, for your fascinating and informative recollection!! Among his influences, don't forget Respighi, with whom he studied orchestration.
Quote from: Ghost Sonata on August 28, 2016, 05:56:09 AM
Thank you, Heck, for your fascinating and informative recollection!! Among his influences, don't forget Respighi, with whom he studied orchestration.
Yes, Hanson is quite a good orchestrator, IMO - he makes good use of the colors available - again, to me, the sound is similar to Sibelius and Nielsen. Gawd, he wanted it plenty loud, too!!
Another composer that visited us was Khatchaturian - we did several programs of his works, all the chestnuts, plus Sym #2...
Now - he wanted volume - tons of it!! :D he asked for all the winds and brass to be 2bled, and string sections increased..
of course, we soon learned that his hearing was failing, he was having trouble hearing the music...and....he had just come from a visit to Chicago, where there was some sort of Khatchaturian Festival, complete with concerts and recordings by the CSO....
his decreased hearing capacity had no doubt been adequately filled by the thunderously loud capabilities of the CSO...We had plenty of great players at school, and we could pump out alot of sound...but not in that league!! :) :o
Quote from: Heck148 on August 28, 2016, 06:37:56 AM
Yes, Hanson is quite a good orchestrator, IMO - he makes good use of the colors available - again, to me, the sound is similar to Sibelius and Nielsen. Gawd, he wanted it plenty loud, too!!
Another composer that visited us was Khatchaturian - we did several programs of his works, all the chestnuts, plus Sym #2...
Now - he wanted volume - tons of it!! :D he asked for all the winds and brass to be 2bled, and string sections increased..
of course, we soon learned that his hearing was failing, he was having trouble hearing the music...and....he had just come from a visit to Chicago, where there was some sort of Khatchaturian Festival, complete with concerts and recordings by the CSO....
his decreased hearing capacity had no doubt been adequately filled by the thunderously loud capabilities of the CSO...We had plenty of great players at school, and we could pump out alot of sound...but not in that league!! :) :o
Very interesting anecdotes. Thanks for sharing. I like Khachaturian's music as well.
I love Hanson's music :) Going by the adjusted rule of two symphonies allowed, here's my list:
Symphony no. 2 "Romantic"
Symphony no. 3
Piano Concerto
Merry Mount Suite
Mosaics
Quote from: kyjo on September 27, 2017, 10:22:36 AM
I love Hanson's music :) Going by the adjusted rule of two symphonies allowed, here's my list:
Symphony no. 2 "Romantic"
Symphony no. 3
Piano Concerto
Merry Mount Suite
Mosaics
Very nice list Kyle. Do you know 'Bold Island Suite' mentioned above? An excellent work. Other than the symphonies and the works mentioned by you I like Dies Natalis, Lament for Beowulf (hardly mentioned here I think) and Pan and the Priest.
Quote from: vandermolen on September 27, 2017, 11:44:28 AM
Very nice list Kyle. Do you know 'Bold Island Suite' mentioned above? An excellent work. Other than the symphonies and the works mentioned by you I like Dies Natalis, Lament for Beowulf (hardly mentioned here I think) and Pan and the Priest.
Yes, I know the
Bold Island Suite. It's a fine piece, but for me lacks the passionately ecstatic lyricism that make many of his other works so special. I've had the gloriously life-affirming ending of his Third Symphony going around in my head the past couple days - an overall amazing piece.
So far, I only know the symphonies, and what symphonies! I hope to remedy this soon. This cycle is quite satisfying. For now I say these ones:
Symphony 2
Symphony 3 (the No. 1 is very close behind)
Reading the thread about Hanson, today I've finished to listen to the Hanson's works I own. I wasn't disappointed by any of them. Hanson had an incredible talent to compose such impressive pieces. Having said that, these are my last choices, probably in this order:
Symphony no. 2
Symphony no. 3
Merry Mount Suite
Lux Aeterna
Fantasy Variations on a Theme of Youth
I'm the only one who likes Pan and the Priest.
Quote from: vandermolen on November 16, 2017, 11:34:54 PM
I'm the only one who likes Pan and the Priest.
I'm sure I'd like it if I listened to it, Jeffrey - must give it a spin soon.
Quote from: kyjo on November 17, 2017, 07:00:24 AM
I'm sure I'd like it if I listened to it, Jeffrey - must give it a spin soon.
Although not mentioned on the front of the CD it features on this fine CD of Hanson's music conducted by Kenneth Schermerhorn which you may already know Kyle.
[asin]B00004UATG[/asin]
Quote from: vandermolen on November 23, 2017, 12:40:43 AM
Although not mentioned on the front of the CD it features on this fine CD of Hanson's music conducted by Kenneth Schermerhorn which you may already know Kyle.
[asin]B00004UATG[/asin]
Yes, that's a great disc, Jeffrey. I listened to
Pan and Priest a couple days ago and enjoyed it very much - see my most recent post in the Hanson thread :)