GMG Classical Music Forum

The Music Room => Composer Discussion => Topic started by: schnittkease on September 25, 2017, 05:41:04 PM

Title: Alexander Gretchaninov (1864-1956)
Post by: schnittkease on September 25, 2017, 05:41:04 PM
In with the confession: I've never heard a note of Gretchaninov's music. Where do I start? He seems to have been very prolific.

Title: Re: Alexander Gretchaninov (1864-1956)
Post by: SymphonicAddict on September 25, 2017, 09:09:39 PM
I've listened to the 4 masses, the 5 symphonies, and the cello concerto. The symphonies are pretty good, with a 'Tchaikovskian' influence. You could start with them. The mass I recall the most is the 'Missa oecumenica'. Also, I've heard the cello sonata, but it's not so memorable.
Title: Re: Alexander Gretchaninov (1864-1956)
Post by: SymphonicAddict on September 25, 2017, 09:20:20 PM
(https://www.chandos.net/artwork/CH9397.jpg)

(https://www.chandos.net/artwork/CH9486.jpg)

(https://www.chandos.net/artwork/CH9698.jpg)

(https://www.chandos.net/artwork/CH9559.jpg)

(https://www.chandos.net/artwork/CH9845.jpg)

Those are great or at least decent performances.
Title: Re: Alexander Gretchaninov (1864-1956)
Post by: vandermolen on September 25, 2017, 11:43:47 PM
Symphony 4 is my recommendation.
Title: Re: Alexander Gretchaninov (1864-1956)
Post by: Florestan on September 26, 2017, 12:45:47 AM
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on September 25, 2017, 09:20:20 PM
(https://www.chandos.net/artwork/CH9397.jpg)

(https://www.chandos.net/artwork/CH9486.jpg)

(https://www.chandos.net/artwork/CH9698.jpg)

(https://www.chandos.net/artwork/CH9559.jpg)

(https://www.chandos.net/artwork/CH9845.jpg)

Those are great or at least decent performances.

Seconded.

For his chamber music which imho is excellent, try these:

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/619qhtv%2BSpL._SY355_.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81PT0JY4M2L._SX522_.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51GN69df8yL._SY355_.jpg) (https://d2duss065tgxcq.cloudfront.net/toccata/wp-content/uploads/20140407000000/TOCC0234-jc-cover.jpg)

Also recommended, his a cappella Easter sacred music.

(https://www.chandos.net/artwork/CH5044.jpg)

Title: Re: Alexander Gretchaninov (1864-1956)
Post by: SymphonicAddict on September 26, 2017, 03:04:08 PM
Quote from: Florestan on September 26, 2017, 12:45:47 AM
Seconded.

For his chamber music which imho is excellent, try these:

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/619qhtv%2BSpL._SY355_.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81PT0JY4M2L._SX522_.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51GN69df8yL._SY355_.jpg) (https://d2duss065tgxcq.cloudfront.net/toccata/wp-content/uploads/20140407000000/TOCC0234-jc-cover.jpg)

Also recommended, his a cappella Easter sacred music.

(https://www.chandos.net/artwork/CH5044.jpg)

I have all those CDs (except the viola one), which I need to listen soon.
Title: Re: Alexander Gretchaninov (1864-1956)
Post by: vandermolen on May 20, 2018, 01:00:40 AM
Am enjoying Symphony 4 (CD pictured above). It was composed in 1927 but sounds like it was composed much earlier.
Title: Re: Alexander Gretchaninov (1864-1956)
Post by: kyjo on May 20, 2018, 06:58:09 AM
The only work I know of his is the First Symphony, which I found to be rather generic and unmemorable. Must give some of his other works a spin.
Title: Re: Alexander Gretchaninov (1864-1956)
Post by: vandermolen on May 20, 2018, 07:18:09 AM
Quote from: kyjo on May 20, 2018, 06:58:09 AM
The only work I know of his is the First Symphony, which I found to be rather generic and unmemorable. Must give some of his other works a spin.
The Chandos CD with Symphony 4 on has the Missa Festiva choral work which I enjoyed more than expected.