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The Music Room => General Classical Music Discussion => Topic started by: Florestan on January 07, 2022, 12:06:15 PM

Title: 2022 Explorations
Post by: Florestan on January 07, 2022, 12:06:15 PM
Is there any particular composer / era / genre / whatever which you'd like to explore more in-depth this year?

For me it's the 20th Century, especially Russian (including Stravinksy --- go figure, Rafael and Karl...), French, English, Italian and Scandinavian music. Also Martinu, Enescu and Bartok.
Title: Re: 2022 Explorations
Post by: Mirror Image on January 07, 2022, 12:47:49 PM
Quote from: Florestan on January 07, 2022, 12:06:15 PM
Is there any particular composer / era / genre / whatever which you'd like to explore more in-depth this year?

For me it's the 20th Century, especially Russian (including Stravinksy --- go figure, Rafael and Karl...), French, English, Italian and Scandinavian music. Also Martinu, Enescu and Bartok.

An extremely fine list, Andrei. Surprised you haven't explored much Stravinsky, Bartók or Enescu (especially as he's Romania's most internationally renowned composer).

As for my own explorations, César Franck and Saint-Saëns are certainly ones I'm most interested in at the moment, so probably just these two for right now.
Title: Re: 2022 Explorations
Post by: Florestan on January 07, 2022, 12:51:03 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on January 07, 2022, 12:47:49 PM
An extremely fine list, Andrei. Surprised you haven't explored much Stravinsky, Bartók or Enescu (especially as he's Romania's most internationally renowned composer).

I'm familiar with some of Enescu's works but truth be told I've never been a musical patriot.  :D

QuoteAs for my own explorations, César Franck and Saint-Saëns are certainly ones I'm most interested in at the moment, so probably just these two for right now.

Saint-Saens needs no recommendation but for Franck I'd say the piano trios and the works for piano and orchestra are real gems.
Title: Re: 2022 Explorations
Post by: ritter on January 07, 2022, 12:53:03 PM
I'll be buying as much Lanner as I can get my hands on....  ;)

No, seriously, I don't plan ahead for this kind of thing. If something "clicks", I might start an exploration, but I'm not at that point right now...
Title: Re: 2022 Explorations
Post by: Mirror Image on January 07, 2022, 12:56:20 PM
Quote from: ritter on January 07, 2022, 12:53:03 PM
I'll be buying as much Lanner as I can get my hands on....  ;)

No, seriously, I don't plan ahead for this kind of thing. If something "clicks", I might start an exploration, but I'm not at that point right now...

Just "go with the flow", I like your style. I'm pretty much the same way. I just threw two names into a hat, but who knows what could happen?

Quote from: Florestan on January 07, 2022, 12:51:03 PM
I'm familiar with some of Enescu's works but truth be told I've never been a musical patriot.  :D

Saint-Saens needs no recommendation but for Franck I'd say the piano trios and the works for piano and orchestra are real gems.

I've actually liked a good bit of what I've heard from him so far, but I will keep your suggestions in mind. I'm familiar with a good bit of Saint-Saens' music, but there's always more to hear since he has a good sized oeuvre.
Title: Re: 2022 Explorations
Post by: Florestan on January 07, 2022, 12:57:47 PM
Quote from: ritter on January 07, 2022, 12:53:03 PM
I'll be buying as much Lanner as I can get my hands on....  ;)

No need to, I'll gladly let you have all the Lanner in my library.  ;)

QuoteNo, seriously, I don't plan ahead for this kind of thing. If something "clicks", I might start an exploration, but I'm not at that point right now...

I planned today but there's absolutely no guarantee that I'll stick to the plan. It's all on the theoretical level. :laugh:
Title: Re: 2022 Explorations
Post by: foxandpeng on January 07, 2022, 02:07:56 PM
Yeah, my list will no doubt shift significantly, but I do want to get to grips with...

Weinberg
Myaskovsky
Langgaard
Title: Re: 2022 Explorations
Post by: vandermolen on January 07, 2022, 02:13:12 PM
Quote from: foxandpeng on January 07, 2022, 02:07:56 PM
Yeah, my list will no doubt shift significantly, but I do want to get to grips with...

Weinberg
Myaskovsky
Langgaard
Three great choices Danny!
Weinberg's 5th Symphony is my favourite of his works, especially in Kondrashin's recording.

I hope to listen to more Enescu this year.
Title: Re: 2022 Explorations
Post by: foxandpeng on January 07, 2022, 04:20:39 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on January 07, 2022, 02:13:12 PM
Three great choices Danny!
Weinberg's 5th Symphony is my favourite of his works, especially in Kondrashin's recording.

I hope to listen to more Enescu this year.

Thank you for the recommendation 😁. I'll be looking to your previous posts in the Myaskovsky thread too, no doubt.

I don't know any Enescu, so I should probably add him to the list!
Title: Re: 2022 Explorations
Post by: vandermolen on January 08, 2022, 01:16:04 AM
Quote from: foxandpeng on January 07, 2022, 04:20:39 PM
Thank you for the recommendation 😁. I'll be looking to your previous posts in the Myaskovsky thread too, no doubt.

I don't know any Enescu, so I should probably add him to the list!

As for NYM, my recommendations are symphonies 3,4,6 (prob. my favourite),15, 16 (great slow movement) 17 (one of the best) 21 (concise, poetic, eloquent) 24, 27 (a movingly valedictory work). 23 on Caucasian themes, is one of the most immediately enjoyable. Many people like No. 5 and No.8 includes another fine slow movement. Also, the Cello Concerto, Cello Sonata No.2 and SQ 13 are other favourites.

PS I like your Tolstoy quote.
Title: Re: 2022 Explorations
Post by: foxandpeng on January 08, 2022, 01:30:16 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on January 08, 2022, 01:16:04 AM
As for NYM, my recommendations are symphonies 3,4,6 (prob. my favourite),15, 16 (great slow movement) 17 (one of the best) 21 (concise, poetic, eloquent) 24, 27 (a movingly valedictory work). 23 on Caucasian themes, is one of the most immediately enjoyable. Many people like No. 5 and No.8 includes another fine slow movement. Also, the Cello Concerto, Cello Sonata No.2 and SQ 13 are other favourites.

PS I like your Tolstoy quote.

Ah  that is amazing, thank you. Really appreciate your knowledgeable and thoughtful pointers. I will use these as my entry point. Good to know where to start!

I like the Tolstoy quote very much. It flags up a simplicity and hints at an inner peace that I hope to continue to cultivate.
Title: Re: 2022 Explorations
Post by: The new erato on January 08, 2022, 02:24:55 AM
No 23 was my intrpduction to Myaskovsky and I immediately fell in love with it.
Title: Re: 2022 Explorations
Post by: Maestro267 on January 08, 2022, 04:47:43 AM
I don't really go into a year with an active plan for music. It depends what money is like each time whether I have it to buy stuff.

That said my first purchase should be here on Monday, the complete symphonies of one Egon Wellesz.
Title: Re: 2022 Explorations
Post by: Symphonic Addict on January 08, 2022, 01:50:08 PM
Quote from: foxandpeng on January 07, 2022, 02:07:56 PM
Yeah, my list will no doubt shift significantly, but I do want to get to grips with...

Weinberg
Myaskovsky
Langgaard

Three solid composers. My only caveat with Langgaard is that some of his music could be too "traditional" or "anachronistic" for you (I guess), but there is no doubt that he wrote some impressive pieces. Anyway, I hope you'll enjoy these composers' music.
Title: Re: 2022 Explorations
Post by: Artem on January 08, 2022, 02:06:15 PM
One of the best listening experiences that I had last year was discovering and spending more time with the music of Maurice Ravel. I haven't decided on anything specific for this this year, but maybe a composer close to Ravel or his time period, besides Debussy, could be interesting.

I would like to get more Luigi Nono, but his disks aren't cheap.
Title: Re: 2022 Explorations
Post by: Symphonic Addict on January 08, 2022, 02:29:40 PM
Personally speaking, I'll be more free, more fluent and dynamic, interchanging composers and works, but now I intend to be more focused on revisiting, reenjoying familiar and great really stuff. Revisiting composers of my deepest affections (Brahms, Nielsen, Sibelius, Shostakovich, Dvorak, Prokofiev, Respighi, Vaughan Williams, Langgaard, Tubin, Holmboe, etc), and putting my toes on some toughest nuts to crack, comprising some important figures (Schönberg, Berg, Carter, Scelsi, Nono, Serialist Stravinsky, Pettersson, et al), or repertoire by composers I like with some heartfeltness, but not completely (Delius, Scriabin, Debussy, Verdi, etc).

Title: Re: 2022 Explorations
Post by: foxandpeng on January 08, 2022, 02:51:04 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on January 08, 2022, 01:50:08 PM
Three solid composers. My only caveat with Langgaard is that some of his music could be too "traditional" or "anachronistic" for you (I guess), but there is no doubt that he wrote some impressive pieces. Anyway, I hope you'll enjoy these composers' music.

Ah, I appreciate the heads up. I will have a prod and see!

Thank you 😊
Title: Re: 2022 Explorations
Post by: Mirror Image on January 08, 2022, 03:42:47 PM
Quote from: Artem on January 08, 2022, 02:06:15 PM
One of the best listening experiences that I had last year was discovering and spending more time with the music of Maurice Ravel. I haven't decided on anything specific for this this year, but maybe a composer close to Ravel or his time period, besides Debussy, could be interesting.

Have you spent any time with Roussel? How about Poulenc, Milhaud or Honegger? Les Six are calling. ;)
Title: Re: 2022 Explorations
Post by: Symphonic Addict on January 08, 2022, 05:18:40 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on January 08, 2022, 03:42:47 PM
Have you spent any time with Roussel? How about Poulenc, Milhaud or Honegger? Les Six are calling. ;)

+1 Try those composers, and why not Florent Schmitt, Gabriel Pierné, too [Artem]?.
Title: Re: 2022 Explorations
Post by: Artem on January 09, 2022, 11:14:44 AM
That's some food for though. Thanks for recommendations.
Title: Re: 2022 Explorations
Post by: Daverz on January 09, 2022, 03:12:04 PM
I'd like to get a bit deeper into CPE Bach.  He always seems very worthwhile.

Also engage more with all the opera recordings I already have.  I tend to avoid it because I don't have the time.  I'll have to come up with some strategy.  Perhaps just playing it in the background, though hardly engaging with it, might help with familiarization.
Title: Re: 2022 Explorations
Post by: vers la flamme on January 10, 2022, 02:47:53 AM
So far my biggest discovery this year has been Gavriil Popov. I've only heard the first two symphonies, but with as good as they both are I'm very excited to hear more.
Title: Re: 2022 Explorations
Post by: Rinaldo on January 11, 2022, 04:37:34 AM
Quote from: Florestan on January 07, 2022, 12:06:15 PMIs there any particular composer / era / genre / whatever which you'd like to explore more in-depth this year?

Russians for me as well. Specifically the big guns – I'm more acquainted with, say, Gubaidulina or Schnittke than Stravinsky and co. Started the new year with this set, having a blast so far.

(https://www.supraphon.com/public/photo/300x300f/9/a/412.jpg)

Quote from: Symphonic Addict on January 08, 2022, 01:50:08 PM
Three solid composers. My only caveat with Langgaard is that some of his music could be too "traditional" or "anachronistic"

*cough* Music of the Spheres *cough*
Title: Re: 2022 Explorations
Post by: Papy Oli on January 11, 2022, 04:58:30 AM
Quote from: Florestan on January 07, 2022, 12:06:15 PM
Is there any particular composer / era / genre / whatever which you'd like to explore more in-depth this year?

- First and foremost, my ongoing exploration of the Bach cantatas in the main as per the liturgic calendar (well, lagging behind it, mostly  ;D)

- dipping more toes into Bach's organ music (also planning Buxthehude's and others')

- More venturing into the rabbit hole of other Baroque composers

- I have bookmarked a reduced number of "as good as" maiden composers on Idagio for a more in-depth discovery, namely Hindemith, Sweelinck, Boulez, Szymanovski, Ligeti, Schnittke.

- Giving some attention to particular items on my shelves by Langgaard, Holmboe, Nielsen, Sibelius and Shostakovich.
Title: Re: 2022 Explorations
Post by: foxandpeng on January 11, 2022, 07:19:39 AM
Quote from: Papy Oli on January 11, 2022, 04:58:30 AM

- Giving some attention to particular items on my shelves by Langgaard, Holmboe, Nielsen, Sibelius and Shostakovich.

*comes to live in your house*
Title: Re: 2022 Explorations
Post by: Papy Oli on January 11, 2022, 07:53:10 AM
Quote from: foxandpeng on January 11, 2022, 07:19:39 AM
*comes to live in your house*

:laugh:

word of caution: It is at the bottom of the list for a reason. At the rate things are going, it might be one mvt of Holmboe or Laanggard or etc for every 15 Bach cantatas. I hope you like cantatas... >:D

Quote from: foxandpeng on January 09, 2022, 04:03:59 AM
Piano guy*
Powdered wig guy*
Opera guy*
Choral guy*
Godowsky

That probably covers it.

hmmm...  >:(  :laugh:
Title: Re: 2022 Explorations
Post by: foxandpeng on January 11, 2022, 03:33:29 PM
Quote from: Papy Oli on January 11, 2022, 07:53:10 AM
:laugh:

word of caution: It is at the bottom of the list for a reason. At the rate things are going, it might be one mvt of Holmboe or Laanggard or etc for every 15 Bach cantatas. I hope you like cantatas... >:D

hmmm...  >:(  :laugh:

I have no doubt it would be an honour and an education for me. I fear I would lower the tone of your neighbourhood, however 😔
Title: Re: 2022 Explorations
Post by: Symphonic Addict on January 11, 2022, 05:52:28 PM
Quote from: vers la flamme on January 10, 2022, 02:47:53 AM
So far my biggest discovery this year has been Gavriil Popov. I've only heard the first two symphonies, but with as good as they both are I'm very excited to hear more.

And you won't be disappointed. His 1st Symphony is his more radical work. From that piece on his style gets softened quite a bit, but never lacks power and emotion.
Title: Re: 2022 Explorations
Post by: Symphonic Addict on January 11, 2022, 05:54:20 PM
Quote from: Rinaldo on January 11, 2022, 04:37:34 AM
*cough* Music of the Spheres *cough*

Haha I did know that, but I meant "some" more-traditional works.
Title: Re: 2022 Explorations
Post by: Papy Oli on January 12, 2022, 01:44:31 AM
Quote from: foxandpeng on January 11, 2022, 03:33:29 PM
I have no doubt it would be an honour and an education for me. I fear I would lower the tone of your neighbourhood, however 😔

I had very limited appetite for "powdered wig guy" music until a few months ago so I am very much learning and finding my way round this rabbit hole myself  ;)

Now, blasting some Holmboe or Shostakovich out for the "benefit" of my neighbours could be tempting. Some sure would deserve such a helping  :laugh:


Title: Re: 2022 Explorations
Post by: Jo498 on January 12, 2022, 09:26:51 AM
Is "powdered wig guy" Mozart, Haydn, Bach or Handel? It would certainly fit for the first two, not sure if the early 18th century wigs were powdered as well.
Title: Re: 2022 Explorations
Post by: staxomega on January 13, 2022, 04:11:33 PM
Quote from: Daverz on January 09, 2022, 03:12:04 PM
I'd like to get a bit deeper into CPE Bach.  He always seems very worthwhile.

CPE Bach is very worthwhile exploring. I like a good chunk of his music more than most Mozart and a lesser extent Haydn.
Title: Re: 2022 Explorations
Post by: foxandpeng on January 13, 2022, 04:53:00 PM
Quote from: Jo498 on January 12, 2022, 09:26:51 AM
Is "powdered wig guy" Mozart, Haydn, Bach or Handel? It would certainly fit for the first two, not sure if the early 18th century wigs were powdered as well.

All of the above would fit, for me. Although Mozart is an occasional exception for the sake of the last 8 or 9 symphonies.
Title: Re: 2022 Explorations
Post by: foxandpeng on February 20, 2022, 01:31:48 AM
Quote from: foxandpeng on January 07, 2022, 02:07:56 PM
Yeah, my list will no doubt shift significantly, but I do want to get to grips with...

Weinberg
Myaskovsky
Langgaard

So, this is going well  ::). Hardly a note of any so far. Bumped to remind myself.

Title: Re: 2022 Explorations
Post by: vandermolen on February 20, 2022, 02:16:04 AM
I think that I should investigate Aho this year.
Title: Re: 2022 Explorations
Post by: Roy Bland on February 21, 2022, 07:19:15 PM
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/718E9YvhKiL._SY355_.jpg)
Title: Re: 2022 Explorations
Post by: Symphonic Addict on February 21, 2022, 07:37:59 PM
Looks interesting. How is the music, Roy?
Title: Re: 2022 Explorations
Post by: Roy Bland on February 22, 2022, 04:58:21 AM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on February 21, 2022, 07:37:59 PM
Looks interesting. How is the music, Roy?
Folksy and conservative,i have bought it to console me for deletion of Tarp series (he studied with him)IMHO is lyrical and beautiful
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJSzOeeYp9E
Title: Re: 2022 Explorations
Post by: San Antone on February 22, 2022, 05:30:06 AM
Quote from: Florestan on January 07, 2022, 12:06:15 PM
Is there any particular composer / era / genre / whatever which you'd like to explore more in-depth this year?

I have found myself drawn back into the Beethoven - Schubert - Schumann orbit after a somewhat lengthy hiatus.  Solo piano and chamber music, plus lieder - but not orchestral works.

Title: Re: 2022 Explorations
Post by: vers la flamme on February 22, 2022, 02:57:28 PM
Quote from: San Antone on February 22, 2022, 05:30:06 AM
I have found myself drawn back into the Beethoven - Schubert - Schumann orbit after a somewhat lengthy hiatus.  Solo piano and chamber music, plus lieder - but not orchestral works.

Same here, excepting the exclusion of orchestral music, and plus Mozart. A joy revisiting these four composers.