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The Music Room => General Classical Music Discussion => Topic started by: Mark on September 17, 2007, 05:22:58 AM

Title: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: Mark on September 17, 2007, 05:22:58 AM
Or indeed, do you plan to?

What got me thinking about this was the 60-CD set of Beethoven's masterpieces released by Sony (admittedly, not complete, but it goes a long way towards being comprehensive), as well as the first two issues in the Complete Sibelius Edition now underway from BIS.

I'm keen to collect everything by Beethoven, Sibelius and possibly Dvorak, Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov or Mozart. That's to name just a few of the 'bigger' composers. I'm also interested in owning everything by Finzi and Britten. An expensive ambition if fulfiled for all eight composers.

Anyone care to share their views on this? I'd be interested to hear the opposing views of members for and against collecting all and everything by a particular composer.
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: Florestan on September 17, 2007, 05:33:25 AM
Quote from: Mark on September 17, 2007, 05:22:58 AM
I'm keen to collect everything by Beethoven, Sibelius and possibly Dvorak, Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov or Mozart.

I very much doubt that KV 1 is worth hearing, let alone owning.  ;D

Go for Rachmaninov instead, at 45 numbered works it will not leave you broke.  :D
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: Que on September 17, 2007, 05:35:32 AM
I come pretty close in Bach (missing some organ works) and also Brahms (missing piano transcriptions for four hands, and obscure stuff like that).

I'm aiming to get my Bach complete, but only because every note he wrote is worthwhile.
Since I wouldn't know of any other composer where that applies to , I think that will be it.
Though Brahms comes close - but he helped a bit by destroying a lot of his juvenelia..

I don't like clutter in my collection.... 8)

Q
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: Florestan on September 17, 2007, 05:37:05 AM
Quote from: Que on September 17, 2007, 05:35:32 AM
I'm aiming to get my Bach complete, but only because every note he wrote is worthwhile.

How do you know?
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: Mark on September 17, 2007, 05:40:59 AM
Quote from: Florestan on September 17, 2007, 05:37:05 AM
How do you know?

Fair question.
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: Que on September 17, 2007, 05:41:32 AM
Quote from: Florestan on September 17, 2007, 05:37:05 AM
How do you know?

A keen observation - but I've already heard what I'm still missing! ;D Sorry. ;D

And before that I'd never heard something by Bach that dissapointed - which seems a strong indication to me.

Q
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: Mark on September 17, 2007, 05:42:20 AM
Quote from: Que on September 17, 2007, 05:41:32 AM
A keen observation - but I already heard what I'm still missing! ;D Sorry. ;D

And before that I'd never heard something by Bach that dissapointed - which seems a strong indication to me.

Q

Fair answer.
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: BachQ on September 17, 2007, 05:43:48 AM
99% of Bach and Mozart
95% of Brahms
90% of Beethoven

Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: Hector on September 17, 2007, 05:46:23 AM
Close to: Berlioz.

Was close but suspected some lesser works have yet to be recorded: Verdi.

I am no great fan of chamber music which means I will never have the 'Complete Works' of most composers!
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: dtwilbanks on September 17, 2007, 05:48:44 AM
I have lots of Beethoven. I'm sure I'm missing a few pieces but I have all the biggies.

(and I'm not doing too bad with Chopin either)
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: Lethevich on September 17, 2007, 05:52:16 AM
Sibelius composed a surprising amount of weak stuff, I must warn you, Mark :) I think that the BIS edition is going to be released in installments? I am going to buy the symphonies and tone poems only (perhaps the songs and incidental music too) - I'll buy a few single discs to get his good string quartet, the rest... meh :)

The only reasonably priced complete box I've seen that looks to be very solid (minimal weak performances, if any) is the Brilliant Mozart one - and even that I don't think I want to buy - I'd prefer to collect things seperately, and certainly don't want all of it. The only composer who produced quite a lot that I can imagine wanting to own every piece surviving by is Brahms (his WoO organ works, for example, are fine). Dvorak may be good too, I can imagine that his early chamber music is less bad than his first symphony, for example, but I don't enjoy his piano music. I guess I am anti-completion :D

I own a fair chunk of Bruckner's output excluding the obvious symphonies, but he has an unknown amount of non-mature choral music, which is generally under-recorded or not recorded, so I cannot be sure.
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: Florestan on September 17, 2007, 05:57:57 AM
Quote from: Que on September 17, 2007, 05:41:32 AM
A keen observation - but I've already heard what I'm still missing!

Indeed the only fair answer.

As for me, I think the only two composers I'll ever come close to owning everything by them (everything recorded, that is) are Beethoven and Chopin.
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: dtwilbanks on September 17, 2007, 05:59:55 AM
Quote from: Florestan on September 17, 2007, 05:57:57 AM
As for me, I think the only two composers I'll ever come close to owning everything by them (everything recorded, that is) are Beethoven and Chopin.

I knew I liked you.  ;D
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: Cato on September 17, 2007, 06:00:08 AM
All of Bruckner and Mahler including all the study scores, even the Deryck Cooke version of Mahler's Tenth and everything available for the Finale of Bruckner's Ninth as of 1975.  I understand other discoveries were made here and there in the 80's and 90's.

95% of Schoenberg, again including study scores.  I also have a recording and study score of an early Quartet in D major, not part of the official 4.

95% of Karl Amadeus Hartmann again with the scores.
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: Mark on September 17, 2007, 06:00:54 AM
Quote from: Lethe on September 17, 2007, 05:52:16 AM
Sibelius composed a surprising amount of weak stuff, I must warn you, Mark :)

Ah, but that won't deter the completist in me. :)
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: Florestan on September 17, 2007, 06:01:49 AM
Quote from: dtwilbanks on September 17, 2007, 05:59:55 AM
I knew I liked you.  ;D

:D
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: Lethevich on September 17, 2007, 06:06:27 AM
Quote from: Cato on September 17, 2007, 06:00:08 AM
All of Bruckner

Does that include his requiem? :P :P The lack of info on the number of surviving early Bruckner works is a huge pain, I wish it could be found whether a recording project would be viable - eg not requiring dozens of CDs.
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: Cato on September 17, 2007, 06:07:28 AM
Quote from: Mark on September 17, 2007, 06:00:54 AM
Ah, but that won't deter the completist in me. :)

I will send you off to the DVD store to find a disturbing movie from the '60's    8)   with Terence Stamp called...    The Collector!    :o
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: Cato on September 17, 2007, 06:12:05 AM
Quote from: Lethe on September 17, 2007, 06:06:27 AM
Does that include his requiem? :P :P The lack of info on the number of surviving early Bruckner works is a huge pain, I wish it could be found whether a recording project would be viable - eg not requiring dozens of CDs.

Yes, there was a church choir in Minnesota who recorded it decades ago, and also in Minnesota, there was a very curious mail-order company, which sold study scores of all kinds of things for ridiculously cheap prices, even for the 1960's.  They are out of business now, but for many years they supplied me with arcana e.g. Penderecki's Utrenja for $5.00.

This would now cost probably $75. or more, if you can find it.
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: Lethevich on September 17, 2007, 06:13:24 AM
Quote from: Cato on September 17, 2007, 06:12:05 AM
Yes, there was a church choir in Minnesota who recorded it decades ago, and also in Minnesota, there was a very curious mail-order company, which sold study scores of all kinds of things for ridiculously cheap prices, even for the 1960's.  They are out of business now, but for many years they supplied me with arcana e.g. Penderecki's Utrenja for $5.00.

Sounds like a nice place :)
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: Cato on September 17, 2007, 06:20:41 AM
Quote from: Lethe on September 17, 2007, 06:13:24 AM
Sounds like a nice place :)

Minnesota?  I was once at a German college camp in Bemidji in November in the early 1990's: marvelous area for lovers of things plaid! 

Even the music there was nicely plaid!     0:)
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: greg on September 17, 2007, 06:49:41 AM
100% of Webern
100% of Varese
(used to have) 100% of Barraque
100% of Decaux
100% of Szabelski (works on CD only)
98% of Mahler
95% of Berg (only missing Lulu opera and whatever he wrote when he was young that might be on CD)
95% of Schoenberg (listened to), only <50% on CD
70% of Xenakis


i think that's all that's worth mentioning, the others have just written so much it's hard to give an estimate  :P
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: Sergeant Rock on September 17, 2007, 07:49:17 AM
Wagner
Varese
Webern
Mahler
Bruckner (may be missing a few motets)
Pettersson
Ruggles
Bach, P.D.Q   ;D

Ravel and Debussy: I haven't consulted a list of their complete works but I probably have nearly everything.

Sarge
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: Mark G. Simon on September 17, 2007, 07:57:48 AM
I have the MTT 2-LP set of complete Ruggles, as well as the Boulez 3-CD set of complete opus numbered Webern.

I have all of Schoenberg except for Von Heute auf Morgen, the Cello Concerto, and the Suite for Strings. A lot of this is on LP, though. Fortunately I've just gotten one of those turntables with a USB plug, so I anticipate having a complete digital Schoenberg in the near future. The 3 missing works shouldn't be too hard to locate.

I have about 90% of Stravinsky but the gaps include some major works like Threni and Le Rossignol.

I'm not even going to try getting the complete Bach or Beethoven or Mozart. I'd never ever listen to all of their works. I have trouble enough keeping up with the Bach I do have. I have a large quantity of Beethoven, but I'm in no hurry to hear the 2 Preludes through all the major keys op. 39, or the 3 Marches for piano duet op. 44, or 6 very easy themes varied op. 105.
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: jochanaan on September 17, 2007, 08:02:36 AM
Recordings, or written music?

If written music, none.  The closest I can come is the complete Beethoven symphonies, and that in a woefully inaccurate edition from the 1930s.  If recordings, well, I have The Complete Works of Edgard Varèse as recorded by Riccardo Chailly, the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, and the ASKO Ensemble on London CD. :D
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: Mr Bloom on September 17, 2007, 08:20:12 AM
Quote from: greg on September 17, 2007, 06:49:41 AM
95% of Schoenberg (listened to), only <50% on CD
70% of Xenakis

Is the question about recorded stuff or all of written music? Because there is less than 50% of Xenakis' works that are recorded. Even with composers like Debussy who have a small "official catalog", there are tons of melodies and little works that have never been recorded.

Composers I have most of the "official catalog" :
Varèse
Webern
Mahler
Scriabin
Debussy
Bach
Schönberg
Debussy
Duparc
Bartok

Maybe some others, I'm not sure.
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: Tsaraslondon on September 17, 2007, 08:45:37 AM
I don't have the complete works of any composer, but if I were to be a completist, I'd be going for Verdi and Berlioz.
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: BachQ on September 17, 2007, 09:44:10 AM
Quote from: Mark G. Simon on September 17, 2007, 07:57:48 AM
I have the MTT 2-LP set of complete Ruggles,

You're quite the Ruggles collector .........
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: Catison on September 17, 2007, 10:13:37 AM
Quote from: Lethe on September 17, 2007, 05:52:16 AM
The only reasonably priced complete box I've seen that looks to be very solid (minimal weak performances, if any) is the Brilliant Mozart one - and even that I don't think I want to buy - I'd prefer to collect things seperately, and certainly don't want all of it.

I just bought (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,46.msg80306.html#msg80306) the Mozart Brilliant set (http://www.amazon.com/Wolfgang-Amadeus-Mozart-Complete-Works/dp/B000BLI3K2/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-3185607-7313713?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1189612552&sr=1-1). Honestly, its $100 for 170 CDs.  That is a bargain no matter which way you cut it.  I was lucky that I didn't own much Mozart before, but I was interested into his music.  And I can affirm that I have found each of the discs I've heard very rewarding.  Some performances are just a little better than OK, but for 60 cents a CD, I am willing to accept that.  To me, having context for a composer is important.

I also bought the Brilliant Bach set (http://www.amazon.com/Bach-Complete-Works-155-Box/dp/B000HRME5U/ref=pd_bxgy_m_text_b/002-9899870-4664053?ie=UTF8&qid=1189612552&sr=1-1).  Its not as great of a deal, and I don't think the performances are as consistent as the Mozart box, but it was still worth it to me.  Again, I didn't have much Bach before, but I know I enjoy his music.

Outside of the boxes, I also have about 99% of Prokofiev.  I am missing a few later Soviet pieces and a few suites.  I don't plan on completing the collection unless I find a really good deal.
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: Lethevich on September 17, 2007, 10:28:45 AM
Quote from: Catison on September 17, 2007, 10:13:37 AM
I just bought (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,46.msg80306.html#msg80306) the Mozart Brilliant set (http://www.amazon.com/Wolfgang-Amadeus-Mozart-Complete-Works/dp/B000BLI3K2/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-3185607-7313713?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1189612552&sr=1-1). Honestly, its $100 for 170 CDs.  That is a bargain no matter which way you cut it.  I was lucky that I didn't own much Mozart before, but I was interested into his music.  And I can affirm that I have found each of the discs I've heard very rewarding.  Some performances are just a little better than OK, but for 60 cents a CD, I am willing to accept that.  To me, having context for a composer is important.

I also bought the Brilliant Bach set (http://www.amazon.com/Bach-Complete-Works-155-Box/dp/B000HRME5U/ref=pd_bxgy_m_text_b/002-9899870-4664053?ie=UTF8&qid=1189612552&sr=1-1).  Its not as great of a deal, and I don't think the performances are as consistent as the Mozart box, but it was still worth it to me.  Again, I didn't have much Bach before, but I know I enjoy his music.

I was definitely thinking of the Brilliant Bach set as a less rock solid one (but still excellent, and a superb way to collect the cantatas). You got a great deal with the Mozart though, and I can't wait for the label's apparently sometime incoming Haydn set - although I'm not sure whether I want the operas :P
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: Dancing Divertimentian on September 17, 2007, 10:42:53 AM
An easy one-stopper Berlioz box is this:



(http://cover6.cduniverse.com/MuzeAudioArt/Large/67/507467.jpg)



Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: Lethevich on September 17, 2007, 10:50:23 AM
Quote from: donwyn on September 17, 2007, 10:42:53 AM
An easy one-stopper Berlioz box is this:

(http://cover6.cduniverse.com/MuzeAudioArt/Large/67/507467.jpg)

Hehe :) I Googled a tracklist to check if there was anything missing - but there really doesn't seem to be anything of note, although there is a cantata or two unaccounted for. Luckily Naxos can come to the rescue, with its superb single disc of them.
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: Kullervo on September 17, 2007, 12:42:37 PM
Varèse, Ruggles, Webern  ;D

But seriously, I am in the process of collecting as much Nørgård, Langgaard, Berg, Honegger and Martinů as I can. I realize that some of these, Martinů and Langgaard in particular, have checkered output, but I won't let that stop me. I just have to know for some reason. I guess you could call it a mania. :)
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: Tsaraslondon on September 17, 2007, 12:56:09 PM
Duparc - you could probably get the complete works on one CD.
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: Gurn Blanston on September 17, 2007, 02:28:22 PM
Without resorting to "the big box":

Mozart & Beethoven

Just counting complete instrumental works: Schubert, Schumann, Mendelssohn, Brahms, Dvorak.

A really whole lot, but just a drop in the bucket: Vivaldi*, Haydn

8)

* I have over 300 concertos. Drop in the bucket... :-\
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: karlhenning on September 17, 2007, 02:33:55 PM
That's a passel o' concerti, Gurn!  :)
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: Gurn Blanston on September 17, 2007, 02:53:08 PM
Quote from: karlhenning on September 17, 2007, 02:33:55 PM
That's a passel o' concerti, Gurn!  :)

And lovely works at that. I think it is the sheer volume of them that overwhelms people into thinking they are all the same. But when you listen to just a few at a time, each has its own identity. It's just too much to carry in your head!  :)

8)
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: Kullervo on September 17, 2007, 02:56:49 PM
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on September 17, 2007, 02:28:22 PM
Just counting complete instrumental works: Schubert, Schumann

No songs? :(
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: Gurn Blanston on September 17, 2007, 03:01:08 PM
Quote from: Corey on September 17, 2007, 02:56:49 PM
No songs? :(

Schumann: No  :'(

Schubert: Yes, bunches of them, but nowhere near all of them. Perhaps 10 varied disks worth, but with several repeated. And I have his masses, and Rosamunde. But far from complete. :)

8)
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: Don on September 17, 2007, 03:20:06 PM
I suppose I'm close to having Bach's complete music, but I don't ever think of acquiring the complete works of any composer.  I just don't have any interest in it.
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: BachQ on September 17, 2007, 03:25:14 PM
I'm aiming to collect all of Wagner's solo piano music (for left hand) ......... And once that lofty Wagnerian goal is achieved, who knows where my ambitions will focus next .........
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: JoshLilly on September 17, 2007, 03:30:11 PM
Scott Joplin's complete works fit on 7 CDs or so, not too hard. 5 CDs of pure piano music and 2 CDs for Treemonisha. His other completed opera seems lost.

The complete works of Chopin wouldn't be all that huge compared to some other composers. Considering how long he lived, he really didn't write all that much.
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: marvinbrown on September 17, 2007, 03:39:05 PM
Quote from: Mark on September 17, 2007, 05:22:58 AM
Or indeed, do you plan to?

What got me thinking about this was the 60-CD set of Beethoven's masterpieces released by Sony (admittedly, not complete, but it goes a long way towards being comprehensive), as well as the first two issues in the Complete Sibelius Edition now underway from BIS.

I'm keen to collect everything by Beethoven, Sibelius and possibly Dvorak, Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov or Mozart. That's to name just a few of the 'bigger' composers. I'm also interested in owning everything by Finzi and Britten. An expensive ambition if fulfiled for all eight composers.

Anyone care to share their views on this? I'd be interested to hear the opposing views of members for and against collecting all and everything by a particular composer.

 No Mark unfortuantely I don't.  Not even WAGNER  0:) believe it or not, I do have all his operas though even the first three (Reinzi, the Fairies and the Ban on Love) but none of his limited instrumental work (except the Seigfreid Idyll). I do own 85% of Beethoven's works: I am missing the string trios and some of the piano trios and probably some of his lesser known works.  But thats as close as I get to completeness.  

 The bottom line:  I believe that it is pointless to collect music you do not enjoy.....buy what pleases you and let completeness fall wherever it may (i.e. 50%-60%-90% etc.)

 marvin
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: marvinbrown on September 17, 2007, 03:40:54 PM
Quote from: D Minor on September 17, 2007, 03:25:14 PM
I'm aiming to collect all of Wagner's solo piano music (for left hand) ......... And once that lofty Wagnerian goal is achieved, who knows where my ambitions will focus next .........

  LOL....Don't forget to send me a copy D.....

  marvin
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: Kullervo on September 17, 2007, 03:44:38 PM
Forgot that I own the complete Barraqué too. I hardly ever listen to it.  :-[
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: DavidW on September 17, 2007, 04:01:33 PM
Varese should be easy to manage, ditto Webern. ;D
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: btpaul674 on September 17, 2007, 04:10:59 PM
The only thing I come close is about 95 percent of Rautavaara. 90 percent of Vaughan Williams after that.
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: Larry Rinkel on September 18, 2007, 04:09:54 AM
Quote from: D Minor on September 17, 2007, 03:25:14 PM
I'm aiming to collect all of Wagner's solo piano music (for left hand) ......... And once that lofty Wagnerian goal is achieved, who knows where my ambitions will focus next .........

Nothing like aiming high!
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: greg on September 18, 2007, 07:42:50 AM
Quote from: Mr Bloom on September 17, 2007, 08:20:12 AM
Is the question about recorded stuff or all of written music? Because there is less than 50% of Xenakis' works that are recorded. Even with composers like Debussy who have a small "official catalog", there are tons of melodies and little works that have never been recorded.
i don't really know, the original question i think was just "complete works"

but no, actually almost all of Xenakis' works (in his catalogue) have been recorded, and they're out there somewhere, i've found most of them searching around. But..... it is true that if you were to go to Amazon looking around to find his complete stuff, you might only be able to find half  :P (too many multiple recordings)
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: Mark on September 18, 2007, 08:11:31 AM
To clarify, I meant recorded music, though of course, there's no reason why scores shouldn't count. :)
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: jochanaan on September 18, 2007, 10:58:54 AM
Quote from: Mark on September 18, 2007, 08:11:31 AM
To clarify, I meant recorded music, though of course, there's no reason why scores shouldn't count. :)
I'd rather have the score, myself.  That way I'm always assured of a perfect performance--the one in my head. ;D
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: johnshade on September 18, 2007, 04:12:43 PM
~
98% of the recorded works of Richard Strauss collected over many years. This represents many hours of music that I greatly enjoy. The more I listen to all 15 operas and vast number of lieder, the more I appreciate his genius.
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: Holden on September 18, 2007, 04:54:06 PM
I've got just about all of Beethoven's works for solo piano with maybe about half a dozen exceptions. The same applies to Chopin.

Naxos said they were going to eventually record the complete works but they haven't got there yet which is why I'm missing those few piano pieces. Complete in my LvB are:

Variations
Sonatas
Bagatelles
Rondos
Ecossaises
plus I have sundry other works.

Chopin:

Ballades
Etudes
Impromptus
Mazurkas
Nocturnes
Preludes
Polonaises
Rondos
Scherzos
Sonatas
Waltzes

Plus Tarentelle, Berceuse etc. Somehow I need to get hold of Ashkenazy and Biret to round out the set for those dozen or so small works that are missing.




Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: Grazioso on September 19, 2007, 04:36:43 AM
Yes: Bach and Mozart, and soon, almost all of LvB. Others to follow :) I'm not a completist or hoarder, but if there's an easy, affordable way to hear all the works by a favorite composer, I'll go for it. One thing I've found repeatedly: there's plenty of hugely enjoyable listening to be had outside the core repertoire, be it an obscure composer or lesser-known work of one of the giants.
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: Mark on September 19, 2007, 04:42:15 AM
Quote from: Grazioso on September 19, 2007, 04:36:43 AM
One thing I've found repeatedly: there's plenty of hugely enjoyable listening to be had outside the core repertoire, be it an obscure composer or lesser-known work of one of the giants.

Amen to that. :)
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: RebLem on September 20, 2007, 12:41:47 AM
Complete--
Thomas Tallis
J.S. Bach--hanssler set.
Mozart--almost all, I believe, but not an integral series.  I have the Warner Classics set of the operas, which is missing a few marginal and fragmentary stage pieces.  I have about 21 boxes in the Philips complete series, three complete symphony sets (Graf, Hogwood [my favorite] and Mackerras}, the Bilson/Gardiner set of the piano concerti, and lots of other stuff.

Beethoven--I believe I have a complete Beethoven, though not an integral cycle, including 18 complete sets of the symphonies, two of which, Scherchen and Zinman, are still awaiting their first audition. The others are Abbado, Furtwangler, Gardiner, Harnoncourt (the only one I got at a used CD store, sans slipcase, but with the booklet) Klemperer, Leibowitz, Maag, Mackerras, Masur, Menuhin, Monteux, Morris, Rattle, Solti, Szell, & Toscanini.  Oh, yes, I have two other LP sets--the 1977 Karajan, and the Dorati set, bringing the total on all media to 20.

I think I have a complete Brahms now, except maybe for some songs and vocal duets and quartets,  though I do have the 8 CD  Brilliant set of a capella or lightly accompanied choral works.

I have the first Sony Boulez complete Webern, and the MTT complete 2 LP Ruggles, and the complete extant Scott Joplin.

I have ambitions for completeness in other areas--pick up those few remaining Brahms pieces, a complete Dvorak (I am woefully lacking in his operas--I have only Rusalka, and there are some choral and vocal pieces and minor chamber works I don't have.  I do have a number of sets of the symphonies, two sets of the string quartets, lots of other chamber music, though not complete, and the complete solo piano music.

I also have the Kempe set of the complete Strauss orchestral music, and I 'd like to complete my collection of his operas--I only have about a third of them.  Complete Janacek and Kodaly colllections would be nice, too.  Vox once issued the complete Kodaly chamber music with players taken mostly from the Chicago Symphony, but they were horrible pressings; I wish they would have them cleaned up and issued on CD.  And, I'm close to completeness in Tchaikovsky, Prokofiev, and Shostakovich, too.
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: Harry on September 20, 2007, 12:58:01 AM
To many to name really. :)
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: Florestan on September 20, 2007, 01:03:57 AM
Quote from: Harry on September 20, 2007, 12:58:01 AM
To many to name really. :)

C'mon, man, you could have at least named the best and the brightest: Tele....
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: Harry on September 20, 2007, 01:09:18 AM
Quote from: Florestan on September 20, 2007, 01:03:57 AM
C'mon, man, you could have at least named the best and the brightest: Tele....

Well I hate to disappoint you, but Telemann is far from complete, in my collection. ;D
But only because the companies refuse to undertake that, apart from Brilliant, but it will take them a long time.
I have everything from Bruhns, if you must know! ;D
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: Florestan on September 20, 2007, 01:17:59 AM
Quote from: Harry on September 20, 2007, 01:09:18 AM
I have everything from Bruhns, if you must know! ;D

Accept no substitutes! :)
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: Harry on September 20, 2007, 01:23:42 AM
In general you could say I own of many composers all instrumental/Orchestral works.
But in most cases I reject the vocal works, so it is in that sense never complete, so from Bruhns I am sure, and maybe Bruckner, possibly Chopin, but that's about it I am afraid.
Much, but not complete.
;D
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: Mark on September 20, 2007, 01:42:48 AM
Harry, what is it about vocal music that keeps you from enjoying it as much you love instrumental and orchestral works?
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: Florestan on September 20, 2007, 01:44:12 AM
Quote from: Harry on September 20, 2007, 01:23:42 AM
In general you could say I own of many composers all instrumental/Orchestral works.
But in most cases I reject the vocal works, so it is in that sense never complete, so from Bruhns I am sure,

Bruhns composed a lot of cantatas, do you own them too?
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: Harry on September 20, 2007, 02:01:17 AM
Quote from: Mark on September 20, 2007, 01:42:48 AM
Harry, what is it about vocal music that keeps you from enjoying it as much you love instrumental and orchestral works?

Basically the voices of women.
But that only applies to a certain era, and certain women.
Without artificial vibrato I am game, tis the vibrato Mark, that kills the bird.
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: Harry on September 20, 2007, 02:02:10 AM
Quote from: Florestan on September 20, 2007, 01:44:12 AM
Bruhns composed a lot of cantatas, do you own them too?

I have to correct myself Andrei, I own what is recorded! :)
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: Mark on September 20, 2007, 02:05:36 AM
Quote from: Harry on September 20, 2007, 02:01:17 AM
Without artificial vibrato I am game, tis the vibrato Mark, that kills the bird.[/i]

Which explains your love of Kirkby, then? ;)
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: Florestan on September 20, 2007, 02:09:17 AM
I have the complete chamber music of Brahms and Schumann. Does it count? :)
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: Harry on September 20, 2007, 02:19:58 AM
Quote from: Mark on September 20, 2007, 02:05:36 AM
Which explains your love of Kirkby, then? ;)

Yes Mark it does, and many others, known and unknown. :)
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: Harry on September 20, 2007, 02:20:44 AM
Quote from: Florestan on September 20, 2007, 02:09:17 AM
I have the complete chamber music of Brahms and Schumann. Does it count? :)


Me too, does that count double? ;D
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: greg on September 20, 2007, 06:41:46 AM
Quote from: Harry on September 20, 2007, 01:09:18 AM
Well I hate to disappoint you, but Telemann is far from complete, in my collection. ;D

does anybody at all?....

even have enough money for that  ???
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: Bonehelm on September 20, 2007, 07:38:21 AM
I have complete Mahler.
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: Que on September 20, 2007, 12:02:31 PM
Quote from: Bonehelm on September 20, 2007, 07:38:21 AM
I have complete Mahler.

Do you have that Quartettsatz (single movement for piano quartet) he wrote in his youth?  :)

Q
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: Dancing Divertimentian on September 20, 2007, 06:21:55 PM
Quote from: Que on September 20, 2007, 12:02:31 PM
Do you have that Quartettsatz (single movement for piano quartet) he wrote in his youth?  :)

Q

I'm lucky enough to own two versions of the piece. But not by choice - it's a tag-along to the big works on each disc.

(Eschenbach w/ members of the Philadelphia orchestra on Ondine and Kremer et al on DG)




Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: prémont on September 21, 2007, 04:18:08 AM
Quote from: Que on September 17, 2007, 05:35:32 AM
I'm aiming to get my Bach complete, but only because every note he wrote is worthwhile.
Since I wouldn't know of any other composer where that applies to , I think that will be it.

Well put, Que.

For the same reason I have collected the complete Bach works on CD (the complete cantatas and four-part choral settings thanks to the the Haenssler and Brilliant complete editions), except for a few keyboard works of dubious authenticity. But I know these few works from the scores.

I don´t own the complete works of any other composer, but this is soon going to change, as I expect to receive the LvB Brilliant complete box from Amazon within a week. I have been very tempted by the Brilliant Mozart box too, but I have realized, that I would neither get the time nor the patience to listen to all of it.
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: marvinbrown on September 21, 2007, 06:38:28 AM
Quote from: premont on September 21, 2007, 04:18:08 AM


For the same reason I have collected the complete Bach works on CD (the complete cantatas and four-part choral settings thanks to the the Haenssler and Brilliant complete editions)


  Premont, where did you buy the complete Haenssler set from? 

  marvin
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: prémont on September 21, 2007, 08:01:32 AM
Quote from: marvinbrown on September 21, 2007, 06:38:28 AM
  Premont, where did you buy the complete Haenssler set from? 

  marvin

About 2004 when the set was licenced to a Slovakian company, which sold it for less than 1/5th of the Haenssler price without any loss of quality of sound, I purchased this from JPC.
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: marvinbrown on September 21, 2007, 08:02:37 AM
Quote from: premont on September 21, 2007, 08:01:32 AM
About 2004 when the set was licenced to a Slovakian company, which sold it for less than 1/5th of the Haenssler price without any loss of quality of sound, I purchased this from JPC.

  Thank You  :).

  marvin
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: prémont on September 21, 2007, 09:34:28 AM
I have not seen the Eastern European set sold since long. Most of the items in the original Hänssler set are still available individually for the cost of ca 10 Euros pr. CD.
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: johnQpublic on September 21, 2007, 10:47:36 AM
hehe...I'm surprised that none of the other local G-M-G composers didn't say this already:

I have the complete works of ME!...even the withdrawn ones.  :P
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: matticus on September 21, 2007, 02:41:08 PM
Everything by Mahler, Webern, Varese and Chopin. Think i've got all the recorded pieces by quite a few others, but it's hard to be sure with all the bootlegs floating around.
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: Bogey on September 21, 2007, 04:56:55 PM
Quote from: Mark on September 17, 2007, 05:22:58 AM
Or indeed, do you plan to?


For me Mark:

Classical
Beethoven
Haydn
Mozart
Copland

Jazz
Louis Armstrong-This will probably be harder than any of the above: http://www.michaelminn.net/armstrong/




Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: Grazioso on September 22, 2007, 04:39:03 AM
Quote from: Bogey on September 21, 2007, 04:56:55 PM

Jazz
Louis Armstrong-This will probably be harder than any of the above: http://www.michaelminn.net/armstrong/

Classical completism is sort of the minor leagues before you step up into the majors of jazz :) Look at the discographies of guys like Art Blakey. Good Heavens.
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: Mark on October 05, 2007, 10:06:15 AM
To anyone looking for the 65 replies that used to be in this thread on the (OT ;)) subject of improvised vs. composed music, you can now find it here. (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,3708.0.html)

My thanks to Bruce for splitting off this interesting discussion and giving it its own thread, which I think many will agree it warranted. :)


EDIT: In the interests of continuity, I've 'rescued' these two relevant posts from the newly created 'other' thread. ;)

Quote from: jurajjak on September 23, 2007, 11:06:22 PM
I generally spread myself thin (or eclectically), but I have just about everything by Prokofiev, including MIDI versions of some unpublished works.  One of the more interesting of the unpublished pieces is the Music for Gymnastic Exercises (1936), which was never performed--not great, obviously, but a lot of energetic tunes (and one of the melodies from Alexander Nevsky's "Battle on the Ice" originates from the unused Gymnastic Exercises).


andrew
Quote from: sonic1 on September 25, 2007, 12:24:00 PM
I believe I have a complete Bach collection, actually probably double or triple most works.

I probably have a pretty complete collection of Shostakovich collection too, though not by intention.
Title: Re: Do you own the complete works of any composer(s)?
Post by: Catison on October 09, 2007, 01:06:06 PM
I have to comment that I really like my big Mozart box.