I was listening to The Sea (Vernon Handley/Ulster Orchestra on Chandos 'Works of the Sea' Compilation) today..love it!
I also have the Naxos/James Judd CD of the work w/ a few other pieces such as Summer and Enter Spring which I like.
Does anyone else listen to Bridge?
I have this and enjoy it:
(http://g-ec2.images-amazon.com/images/I/516VY90B2SL._AA240_.jpg)
Quote from: Bogey on May 04, 2007, 05:37:03 PM
I have this and enjoy it:
(http://g-ec2.images-amazon.com/images/I/516VY90B2SL._AA240_.jpg)
Ah, thats the one I have, well, I have the recently reissued one which tacked on one of Stanford's Irish Rhapsodies at the end:
(http://g-ec2.images-amazon.com/images/I/416SdSkhFEL._AA240_.jpg)
It's good music.
Have not explored his music any further....I enjoyed the above piece, so it was probably due to just too many other new (to me) composers/pieces on my radar.
Quote from: Bogey on May 04, 2007, 05:37:03 PM
I have this and enjoy it:
(http://g-ec2.images-amazon.com/images/I/516VY90B2SL._AA240_.jpg)
That CD was my first exposure to Bridge. I bought it for the Bax and the Britten, but was taken in by Bridge's piece the first time I heard it. I have since explored quite a bit of his music. For those new to his music, beware, his music falls into three phases: impressionistic, English pastoral and in his later years, very knotty and harmonically adverturous. That last period is pretty much anything written after WWI.
Quote from: Nunc Dimittis on May 04, 2007, 08:19:57 PMFor those new to his music, beware, his music falls into three phases: impressionistic, English pastoral and in his later years, very knotty and harmonically adventurous. That last period is pretty much anything written after WWI.
While I'm not sure there's three phases (I see two) I would agree that the final phase is more modern and may surprise/disappoint the conservative listener....and yet it's his most interesting one for me.
"The Sea", "Enter Spring" and "Oration" are all masterpieces. The latter two, in particular, should be much better known. "Oration" is a haunting lament for the fallen of World War One (including friends of the composer), it contains a most beautifully consoling epilogue (apparently an afterthought), which, for me, is one of the great moments in all music.
I've just ordered a new Dutton release of Bridge conducting "The Sea" which I'm looking forward to hearing.
The CD below is a fine introduction to Bridge and contains both "The Sea" and "Enter Spring" in good performances. There are a number of CD versions of "Oration" but it may be worth waiting for Lyrita to issue their excellent recording in the next year.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bridge-Orchestral-Works-Frank/dp/B00000C2J6/ref=sr_1_2/202-5432101-9636610?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1178393331&sr=1-2
Quote from: Captain Haddock on May 05, 2007, 11:36:03 AM
"The Sea", "Enter Spring" and "Oration" are all masterpieces.
Indeed they are. Another is his quasi-Piano Concerto "Phantasm". Mind though that "The Sea" is an earlier work and rather different from Bridge's later masterpieces, which tend to be more demanding.
Bridge also wrote some fine music for string quartet, and good songs, too.
Thomas
QuoteAnother is his quasi-Piano Concerto "Phantasm"
Do you recommend any recordings of this?
QuoteThere are a number of CD versions of "Oration" but it may be worth waiting for Lyrita to issue their excellent recording in the next year.
Do you know when this planned for release? Also when it was recorded? I'm guessing this is one of those Lyrita's that was only available on LP?
Quote from: sound67 on May 05, 2007, 11:48:51 AM
Bridge also wrote some fine music for string quartet, and good songs, too.
Yes indeed. The Fantasy Trio, Piano Quintet are masterpieces that were my introduction to Bridge. Vanessa's favorite is The Sea. My current favorite is Oration.
Quote from: tjguitar on May 05, 2007, 11:53:35 AM
Do you recommend any recordings of this?
There are several recordings, but my favorite (Kathryn Stott/Vernon Handley) has long been out of print. Apparently, the only one still available is one of the entries in Richard Hickox' series of Bridge orchestral works from Chandos:
(http://www.jpc.de/image/cover/front/0/9590269.jpg)
I doubt that it could rival Stott/Handley, but Shelley is a fine pianist so it shouldn't be bad.
Thomas
I have 2 works by Frank Bridge:
Piano Quintet - Allan Schiller/Coull String Quartet [ASV]
Lament - Capella Istropolitana/Adrian Leaper [Naxos]
I have to say I have never really explored this composer. ::)
Quote from: tjguitar on May 04, 2007, 05:29:57 PM
I was listening to The Sea (Vernon Handley/Ulster Orchestra on Chandos 'Works of the Sea' Compilation) today..love it!
I also have the Naxos/James Judd CD of the work w/ a few other pieces such as Summer and Enter Spring which I like.
Does anyone else listen to Bridge?
For years I've realized that I need to look into this composer more completely, but just never have done so. The only work I've ever heard by him was a piece for piano and orchestra titled
Phantasm; more tone poem than concerto, it was a wonderful thing. But, as I said, I just haven't followed it up...not sure why, maybe because I don't have unlimited funds and I'm always finding other things to look into. The curse of the eclectic music lover.
Quote from: tjguitar on May 05, 2007, 11:53:35 AM
Do you recommend any recordings of this?
Do you know when this planned for release? Also when it was recorded? I'm guessing this is one of those Lyrita's that was only available on LP?
Re: Oration
No mention yet from Lyrita about this although I'll try to find out as they helpfully respond to enquiries. The whole back catalogue should be reissued over the next 16 months I think. The recording must be late 70s or early 80s (my LP is somewhere in the attic!) but the performer was Julian Lloyd Webber with the LPO and Nicholas Braithwaite.
If you don't want to wait, the Chandos recording is very good and there was an excellent EMI one (Isserlis/Hickox) which is, unfortunately, long deleted.
The following article is interesting and informative:
http://www.musicweb-international.com/bridge/chapt3.htm
and here is the new Dutton release of Bridge conducting "The Sea"
http://www.duttonvocalion.co.uk/proddetail.asp?prod=CDBP9777
Here's linka to the old forum threads:
http://www.good-music-guide.com/forum/index.php/topic,7542.0.html
http://www.good-music-guide.com/forum/index.php/topic,4767.0.html
Isn't that Kathryn Stott CD fantastic?! I adore that origial version of the Walton Sinfonia concertante too. Her playing is superb (the disc can be found second hand on Amazon: http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_ss_w_h_/203-9370889-7535931?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=bridge+walton+ireland)
I just heard Colin Carr play Oration in Manchester yesterday - he did a brilliant job, the coda being especially moving.
The cello Sonata is one of the finest pieces of chamber music that I have ever heard - The second movement was the first thing he wrote after finding out that all his friends had been killed in a first world war raid. Incredibly sad and beautiful.
Also the second Piano trio is amazing.
Quote from: tjguitar on May 05, 2007, 11:53:35 AM
Do you recommend any recordings of this?
Do you know when this planned for release? Also when it was recorded? I'm guessing this is one of those Lyrita's that was only available on LP?
Oration to be released by Lyrita Feb 2008.
Quote from: Guido on May 06, 2007, 09:58:20 AM
Also the second Piano trio is amazing.
This seems to be his keystone work, indeed much more than the rather manufactured Vienese quartets. I bought the Chandos recording coupled with the inebriated Bax trio.
Quote from: Sean on May 08, 2007, 09:57:23 AM
I bought the Chandos recording coupled with the inebriated Bax trio.
I can't seem to find that on Amazon. Is it OOP?
TJ
http://www.amazon.com/Bridge-Trio-No2-Phantasy-quartet/dp/B00005AULJ/ref=sr_1_1/102-3810771-9378539?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1178667740&sr=8-1
That is a great recording and its dirt cheap too.
Quote from: tjguitar on May 08, 2007, 03:25:26 PM
I can't seem to find that on Amazon. Is it OOP?TJ
Sorry, I can't help- I bought in during a serious Bax phase about 18 years ago.
Not sure how this passed me by, but Bridge's superb piano sonata is finally available on Naxos.
http://www.naxos.com/catalogue/item.asp?item_code=8.557921#
The other two recordings have been out of print for ages, so this is really good news. Couplings good too - I especially like the Lament and the Left Hand piano pieces.
Quote from: Guido on September 13, 2008, 06:26:26 PM
Not sure how this passed me by, but Bridge's superb piano sonata is finally available on Naxos.
http://www.naxos.com/catalogue/item.asp?item_code=8.557921#
The other two recordings have been out of print for ages, so this is really good news. Couplings good too - I especially like the Lament and the Left Hand piano pieces.
Thanks for this info. I'll investigate in due course. Bridge was a fine, albeit sometimes 'demanding' composer. But I suspect that Oration, Enter Spring and The Sea will remain my favourites.
Quote from: vandermolen on May 08, 2007, 05:09:25 AM
Oration to be released by Lyrita Feb 2008.
I have finally ordered this one. I will comment when it arrives. I love the sound clips. I'm already familiar with Phantasm on Conifer, but it should be nice to hear another performance, but I'm most looking forward to the Oration piece. :)
I have two performances of Bridge's 'Oration' on disc. The Alban Gerhardt on Chandos is one but the other is a quite superb but possibly now unobtainable performance by Alexander Baillie with the Cologne Radio Symphony Orchestra(as then was) conducted by John Carewe, coupled with 'Enter Spring' on the Pearl label.
Baillie is a fine cellist(he recorded the Rawsthorne for Naxos) of whom we should hear more! Guido...opinion?
Quote from: Dundonnell on October 25, 2008, 12:43:28 PM
I have two performances of Bridge's 'Oration' on disc. The Alban Gerhardt on Chandos is one but the other is a quite superb but possibly now unobtainable performance by Alexander Baillie with the Cologne Radio Symphony Orchestra(as then was) conducted by John Carewe, coupled with 'Enter Spring' on the Pearl label.
Baillie is a fine cellist(he recorded the Rawsthorne for Naxos) of whom we should hear more! Guido...opinion?
Yes he is great - I haven't heard his Oration, but have him playing the Rawsthorne, Bernard Stevens, Matthews no.1, Stanford, Keal and Crosse concertos. His technical facility is truly remarkable, and his sound very beautiful. He's completely mad though! Maybe I'll search out his Oration. I too have Gerhardt in this piece, who plays it splendidly, and also Isserlis who's account is wonderful as far as I can remember - haven't heard it for a while. Isserlis is the only person who couples it very logically with Britten's cello symphony - the comparison of these two tough masterpieces is very illuminating, both the finest purely instrumental work in their respective composer's oevre, and not enough has been said I think of the link between the earlier work to the latter. Wallfisch's recent account of Oration is also meant to be quite fine, though I haven't heard it.
Baillie is "completely mad"?
Come on...you can't leave it like that ;D Explain :)
Quote from: Dundonnell on October 25, 2008, 05:35:51 PM
Baillie is "completely mad"?
Come on...you can't leave it like that ;D Explain :)
It's sort of difficult to explain without seeing him, but he is a true british eccentric.
(http://www.transartuk.com/baillie/baillie.jpg)
Although I realize there was a thread on Bridge, I was advised to give a new posting on this British composer given that the thread conceived a while ago. Several, indeed, many postings praised Bridge's work. I was listenng today several of bridge's orchestral and pianistic works; and, I was absorbed within the complex orchestral nuances of several works; viz, "The Sea," ""Summer," "Dance Rhapsody," the "Piano Sonata" plus several other pieces. They are all wonderful works. Previous postings emphasized that "Enter Spring" is an absolute masterpiece. I totally agree. Much could be written about this superb composer. What prompted me to post this was my reaction to one of the pieces; namely, the first of the two "Poems for Orchestra." Not the glittering virtuosity of "The Sea," or "enter Spring," perhaps; however, this one achievement is a wonderful colored, nuanced, even Debussyian, impressionistic dream work. I am unfamiliar with "Oration," a later composition of Bridge (1930). Bridge apparently had undergone three "periods;" not unlike Stravinsky, or the painter Picasso (any others?)
Although perhaps not as prevalent as VW, Bax, Scott, Howells, or Britten, Bridge is a significant and poweful voice in English music.
Oration is a wonderful work - perhaps Bridge's masterpiece. It is a memorial to the fallen of World War One and the twilight epilogue (an afterthought apparently) is one of my favourite moments in 20th century music - very moving. There are a number of good performances. The recently reissued EMI version conducted by Richard Hickox and with Stephen Isserlis on the cello is my favourite (City of London Sinfonia). The Lyrita version (Lloyd-Weber/Braithwaite) is first rate too. Hickox's later version on Chandos is also excellent; the work is well served on disc. The version below is also the least expensive.
Certainly one of the most underrated "known" composers in history. I remember posting on the old Bridge thread. His relative neglect during his lifetime is understandable, if only because he lived in Britain. But his subsequent neglect until now is somewhat buffling. Oration is indeed his masterpiece. Both his orchestral works and chamber music are beautiful works. I have just recently gotten into his piano works as well. The problem seems to be that he is "known" already. So the revivals of neglected composers nowadays, which mainly focus on composers "unjustly neglected" does not include him. Known but not fully appreciated, marginalised but not completely forgotten, neglected but not dismissed, Bridge is thus forever placed in the never-never-land of music.
Quote from: vandermolen on April 23, 2009, 12:47:08 AM
Oration is a wonderful work - perhaps Bridge's masterpiece. It is a memorial to the fallen of World War One and the twilight epilogue (an afterthought apparently) is one of my favourite moments in 20th century music - very moving. There are a number of good performances. The recently reissued EMI version conducted by Richard Hickox and with Stephen Isserlis on the cello is my favourite (City of London Sinfonia). The Lyrita version (Lloyd-Weber/Braithwaite) is first rate too. Hickox's later version on Chandos is also excellent; the work is well served on disc. The version below is also the least expensive.
I shall indeed try to get his "Oration" I didn't even know of it until I saw the work mentioned in the various postings. Thanks.
Quote from: springrite on April 23, 2009, 01:06:46 AM
Certainly one of the most underrated "known" composers in history. I remember posting on the old Bridge thread. His relative neglect during his lifetime is understandable, if only because he lived in Britain. But his subsequent neglect until now is somewhat buffling. Oration is indeed his masterpiece. Both his orchestral works and chamber music are beautiful works. I have just recently gotten into his piano works as well. The problem seems to be that he is "known" already. So the revivals of neglected composers nowadays, which mainly focus on composers "unjustly neglected" does not include him. Known but not fully appreciated, marginalised but not completely forgotten, neglected but not dismissed, Bridge is thus forever placed in the never-never-land of music.
This is an extremely perceptive post!
A fave:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51AH0Y1KT3L._SS400_.jpg)
Oration is now in my shopping cart. Thank you.
Quote from: springrite on April 23, 2009, 01:06:46 AM
Certainly one of the most underrated "known" composers in history. I remember posting on the old Bridge thread. His relative neglect during his lifetime is understandable, if only because he lived in Britain. But his subsequent neglect until now is somewhat buffling. Oration is indeed his masterpiece. Both his orchestral works and chamber music are beautiful works. I have just recently gotten into his piano works as well. The problem seems to be that he is "known" already. So the revivals of neglected composers nowadays, which mainly focus on composers "unjustly neglected" does not include him. Known but not fully appreciated, marginalised but not completely forgotten, neglected but not dismissed, Bridge is thus forever placed in the never-never-land of music.
It is indeed a pity he is not given more attention. Fortunately there are the recordings; but he is certainly no "household word" for the given or even the reasonably "informed" public.
My first experience with Bridge was on an old English Chamber Orchestra recording, IIRC, with a dashing performance of Sir Roger de Coverley, his "Christmas dance." Since then I've heard some of his string quartets but not much else, so I'm looking at this thread with interest.
(PS, I took the liberty of merging this with the old Bridge thread...please continue. :))
--Bruce
Thanks for reactivating this post - I would like to join the thread to supplement my meager collection of Bridge's works; just have five discs, and this afternoon listened to the chamber recordings shown below (a post made earlier to the 'listening thread') - excellent! Now have the EMI disc playing of some of the orchestral pieces (The Sea, Summer, etc.), which was also discussed; but, I do not own, the Oration, so will also put that one on my 'want list' - :D
Bridge, Frank (1879-1941) - stimulated by the 'new' thread on this composer, I decided to listen to the handful of CDs in my collection - think that I need more! :D
String Sextet & Quintet w/ the Raphael Ensemble - love this group, and excellent in this repertoire!
Piano Trio No. 1 & 2; Piano Quartet w/ the Dartington Piano Trio + Patrick Ireland - listening to this disc @ the moment - :)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/4161WT5S3SL._SL500_AA240_.jpg) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51TQVSW35XL._SL500_AA240_.jpg)
Quote from: SonicMan on April 23, 2009, 12:52:06 PM
Thanks for reactivating this post - I would like to join the thread to supplement my meager collection of Bridge's works; just have five discs, and this afternoon listened to the chamber recordings shown below (a post made earlier to the 'listening thread') - excellent! Now have the EMI disc playing of some of the orchestral pieces (The Sea, Summer, etc.), which was also discussed; but, I do not own, the Oration, so will also put that one on my 'want list' - :D
Bridge, Frank (1879-1941) - stimulated by the 'new' thread on this composer, I decided to listen to the handful of CDs in my collection - think that I need more! :D
String Sextet & Quintet w/ the Raphael Ensemble - love this group, and excellent in this repertoire!
Piano Trio No. 1 & 2; Piano Quartet w/ the Dartington Piano Trio + Patrick Ireland - listening to this disc @ the moment - :)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/4161WT5S3SL._SL500_AA240_.jpg) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51TQVSW35XL._SL500_AA240_.jpg)
Dave:
And I thought my Bridge collection of 20 recordings was on the light side. You need to step it up. Get the string quartets and the Chandos orchestral series.
Quote from: gomro on May 05, 2007, 03:13:11 PM
For years I've realized that I need to look into this composer more completely, but just never have done so. The only work I've ever heard by him was a piece for piano and orchestra titled Phantasm; more tone poem than concerto, it was a wonderful thing. But, as I said, I just haven't followed it up...not sure why, maybe because I don't have unlimited funds and I'm always finding other things to look into. The curse of the eclectic music lover.
Phantsm is a wonderful work.
Quote from: Bulldog on April 23, 2009, 01:03:00 PM
Dave:
And I thought my Bridge collection of 20 recordings was on the light side. You need to step it up. Get the string quartets and the Chandos orchestral series.
Don - your right! :D Just own 2 other discs of
Bridge's works, including a couple of SQs - need to pick up
Oration first, though. Now I have a lot of English composers in my collection, but somehow
Bridge has been off my radar screen - must correct immediately! Dave :)
Quote from: schweitzeralan on April 23, 2009, 02:32:02 PM
Phantsm is a wonderful work.
It is indeed! When it comes to my favorite Bridge work, I waver between Oration and Phantasm. They are both great!
BTW, the first Bridge work that attracted me was the Fantasy Trio. As it turns out, that was one of Bridge's earlier works, more conventional in nature designed to win the competition and earn himself the award money. It gave little indication of what was to come.
Quote from: springrite on April 23, 2009, 04:01:35 PM
It is indeed! When it comes to my favorite Bridge work, I waver between Oration and Phantasm. They are both great!
BTW, the first Bridge work that attracted me was the Fantasy Trio. As it turns out, that was one of Bridge's earlier works, more conventional in nature designed to win the competition and earn himself the award money. It gave little indication of what was to come.
Oration and Phantasm can be found together on this excellent CD:
Quote from: vandermolen on April 24, 2009, 02:26:58 AM
Oration and Phantasm can be found together on this excellent CD:
Does anyone else think that that Art Nouveau design is peculiarly apt for Bridge's music? (Peculiar because it's the wrong time and wrong country...)
Quote from: vandermolen on May 05, 2007, 11:36:03 AM
"Oration" is a haunting lament for the fallen of World War One (including friends of the composer), it contains a most beautifully consoling epilogue (apparently an afterthought), which, for me, is one of the great moments in all music.
I heard that one live here in Sanders Theatre; it is a magnificent piece.
I was listening yesterday to a Chandos disc with some of Bridge's orchestral works (Vol. 5), including the Suite for Strings, Two Intermezzi from 'Threads', and a charming Valse Intermezzo. It also had some songs accompanied by orchestra, including my favorite, The Hag, which I played at full volume for my husband apropos of a troublesome colleague of his. >:D I was reminded of how much I have liked the little bit of Bridge's music that I've heard. After reading some of the posts on this thread, I think I'll need to get my hands on a recording of Oration next--maybe the EMI version referenced by vandermolen since I'm partial to Steven Isserlis.
Are either SQ No.1 or No.2 anywhere near a country masterpiece? meaning, Pastoralismo.
Quote from: secondwind on July 16, 2009, 07:00:25 PM
I was listening yesterday to a Chandos disc with some of Bridge's orchestral works (Vol. 5), including the Suite for Strings, Two Intermezzi from 'Threads', and a charming Valse Intermezzo. It also had some songs accompanied by orchestra, including my favorite, The Hag, which I played at full volume for my husband apropos of a troublesome colleague of his. >:D I was reminded of how much I have liked the little bit of Bridge's music that I've heard. After reading some of the posts on this thread, I think I'll need to get my hands on a recording of Oration next--maybe the EMI version referenced by vandermolen since I'm partial to Steven Isserlis.
Yes, you should enjoy the Isserlis version of Oration.
Just listened to some chamber music of Frank Bridge
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51TQVSW35XL._SL500_AA240_.jpg)
I see it has already been mentioned on this thread. Superb music and a great performance.
Quote from: Scarpia on November 28, 2009, 07:08:12 PM
Just listened to some chamber music of Frank Bridge
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51TQVSW35XL._SL500_AA240_.jpg)
I see it has already been mentioned on this thread. Superb music and a great performance.
Welcome back, and glad you took the plunge with Bridge (even if not with Langgaard :P)!
Quote from: Scarpia on November 28, 2009, 07:08:12 PM
Just listened to some chamber music of Frank Bridge
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51TQVSW35XL._SL500_AA240_.jpg)
I see it has already been mentioned on this thread. Superb music and a great performance.
This is a very good CD. I like Bridge more and more.
Quote from: Lethe on November 29, 2009, 12:53:28 AM
Welcome back, and glad you took the plunge with Bridge (even if not with Langgaard :P)!
Thanks. It always shocks me when someone shows evidence of having remembered something I've rashly posted on this forum. ;D
Quote from: vandermolen on November 29, 2009, 02:59:27 AM
This is a very good CD. I like Bridge more and more.
Finished some repeated listenings to the Hyperion/Helios set. If anything, I like the later more modern piece best, but there is a strange engineering issue with this set. Typical piano trio recordings have the piano at center, violin at left and cello at right stage. For the first 7 tracks on the disc (the two phantasy trios and the first movement of the Trio number 2) there is an atypical sound stage with violin and cello both far right and piano left-center. Starting with the second movement of the Trio number two, it abruptly switches to the more satisfactory, traditional scheme, with the violin at stage left. It is a bit disorienting, and reduces the impact of the first two pieces. A very odd choice.
Quote from: Scarpia on December 20, 2009, 09:48:40 AM
Finished some repeated listenings to the Hyperion/Helios set. If anything, I like the later more modern piece best, but there is a strange engineering issue with this set. Typical piano trio recordings have the piano at center, violin at left and cello at right stage. For the first 7 tracks on the disc (the two phantasy trios and the first movement of the Trio number 2) there is an atypical sound stage with violin and cello both far right and piano left-center. Starting with the second movement of the Trio number two, it abruptly switches to the more satisfactory, traditional scheme, with the violin at stage left. It is a bit disorienting, and reduces the impact of the first two pieces. A very odd choice.
I'm sure you're right but I am insufficiently a musician to notice :(
Quote from: vandermolen on December 20, 2009, 10:50:41 AM
I'm sure you're right but I am insufficiently a musician to notice :(
Try listening to track 7, violin is on the right, track 8-9, violin on the left.
Quote from: Scarpia on December 20, 2009, 01:49:58 PM
Try listening to track 7, violin is on the right, track 8-9, violin on the left.
Thanks, will do.
Quote from: snyprrr on July 16, 2009, 08:42:48 PM
Are either SQ No.1 or No.2 anywhere near a country masterpiece? meaning, Pastoralismo.
Any thoughts on
SQs 1-2? They're both in the minor. I've never heard them, and I've imagined one of them could be super, so, what do you all think? I've only heard No.3 (Endellion), vague memories (I know it's totally different).
The
Cello Sonata!
That Hyperion
Piano Trio No.2 is something. I think the disconcerting sound balance works great in the first mvmt, and then, poom! It's one of my oldest cds. Consider, the Piano Trio wasn't really cultivated by many of the Bartok-Prokofiev-Hindemith Generation. Bridge No.2 is the Greatest Romantic Trio! :o...
why not?
Quote from: SonicMan on April 23, 2009, 12:52:06 PM
Thanks for reactivating this post - I would like to join the thread to supplement my meager collection of Bridge's works; just have five discs, and this afternoon listened to the chamber recordings shown below (a post made earlier to the 'listening thread') - excellent! Now have the EMI disc playing of some of the orchestral pieces (The Sea, Summer, etc.), which was also discussed; but, I do not own, the Oration, so will also put that one on my 'want list' - :D
Bridge, Frank (1879-1941) - stimulated by the 'new' thread on this composer, I decided to listen to the handful of CDs in my collection - think that I need more! :D
String Sextet & Quintet w/ the Raphael Ensemble - love this group, and excellent in this repertoire!
Piano Trio No. 1 & 2; Piano Quartet w/ the Dartington Piano Trio + Patrick Ireland - listening to this disc @ the moment - :)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/4161WT5S3SL._SL500_AA240_.jpg) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51TQVSW35XL._SL500_AA240_.jpg)
I realize that there have been several postings on the music of bridge. I simply wanted to reffirm on the forum my continuing interest in this remarkable composer. I just listen ed to "Phantasms." Wonderful work which evinces the composer's debt to early 20th century Modernism, plus rhythmic restraint with tyhpical "Bridgean" color and nuance. Dramatic work with impressionist suggestions. Recommended as always.
I think Bridge is a neglected composer without a doubt in my mind. His claim to fame seems to be he was the teacher of Benjamin Britten who was a champion of his music and, in fact, composed a work in honor of him Variations On Theme By Frank Bridge, but a deeper look into Bridge's music reveals a remarkable composer who knew how to bridge (no pun intended) several different styles and influences into a cohesive whole.
I just bought the entire Bridge series on Chandos with Hickox and me being such a sucker for Hickox's conducting, I couldn't let this pass under my radar any longer.
Quote from: Mirror Image on June 06, 2011, 05:22:17 PM
I think Bridge is a neglected composer without a doubt in my mind. His claim to fame seems to be his was the teacher of Benjamin Britten whom was a champion of his music . . . .
I know: I should take it to the Grammar Grumble ; ). . . but you want who here.
Quote from: Mirror Image on June 06, 2011, 05:22:17 PM
I think Bridge is a neglected composer without a doubt in my mind. His claim to fame seems to be his was the teacher of Benjamin Britten whom was a champion of his music and, in fact, composed a work in honor of him Variations On Theme By Frank Bridge, but a deeper look into Bridge's music reveals a remarkable composer who knew how to bridge (no pun intended) several different styles and influences into a cohesive whole.
I just bought the entire Bridge series on Chandos with Hickox and me being such a sucker for Hickox's conducting, I couldn't let this pass under my radar any longer.
It's important to stock up when you plan to take a hiatus.
Quote from: The new erato on June 07, 2011, 04:32:17 AM
It's important to stock up when you plan to take a hiatus.
:P
Yes! After I had bought these Bridge recordings, I decided that enough was enough for awhile, which resulted in my post on the "Recordings You Are Considering" thread.
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on June 07, 2011, 04:00:55 AM
I know: I should take it to the Grammar Grumble ; )
. . . but you want who here.
Made the correction. :) Sorry about the bad grammar. I have forgotten a lot of the rules.
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on June 07, 2011, 04:00:55 AM
I know: I should take it to the Grammar Grumble ; )
. . . but you want who here.
Oh it's fun to make grammar errors just to imagine you can can hear Cato's teeth clench! It's only fair since everyone else is physicist sniping:
http://xkcd.com/356/ (http://xkcd.com/356/)
Sorry carry on with your Bridge. :)
Cato's dentition is safe, he's very Zen about the grammar chaos all around ; )
My familiarity with Bridge rests mainly on chamber music, which is sometimes claimed to be the best of his output. Is his orchestral music on a similarly high level?
[Nothing Cato provoking here, I hope]
Oration (essentially a cello concerto) is top-notch.
Quote from: Il Barone Scarpia on June 07, 2011, 08:58:52 AM
My familiarity with Bridge rests mainly on chamber music, which is sometimes claimed to be the best of his output. Is his orchestral music on a similarly high level?
His best orchestral works are music of a very high level. As you can see from the Chandos series, though, there are demonstrably lesser works - mainly confined to the last volume. But outside of that extensive edition, you're unlikely to run into anything mediocre. Many of Bridge's best pieces offer a curious and delicious mid-point between Delius, Elgar, Britten and Bliss. By and large, the first four volumes of the Chandos series contain gold.
Edit: as Karl mentions, Oration is a major piece in the literature. Aside from Elgar I can't think of anything that can surpass it - even Britten, Moeran and Bax are merely equal to it.
Quote from: Lethe Dmitriyevich Shostakovich on June 07, 2011, 09:17:06 AMEdit: as Karl mentions, Oration is a major piece in the literature. Aside from Elgar I can't think of anything that can surpass it - even Britten, Moeran and Bax are merely equal to it.
What about the Finzi
Cello Concerto? I think this is one of the finest examples of cello and orchestra writing of the 20th Century. Such angst, heart-on-sleeve, unabashed lyricism in this work. Not to derail this thread, of course, but I just had to mention it.
Quote from: Mirror Image on June 07, 2011, 10:07:02 AM
What about the Finzi Cello Concerto? I think this is one of the finest examples of cello and orchestra writing of the 20th Century. Such angst, heart-on-sleeve, unabashed lyricism in this work. Not to derail this thread, of course, but I just had to mention it.
I had forgotten about that one: its omission as a major work was definitely an accident, not a slight. I don't find myself listening to it very often, though - must correct this sometime.
Quote from: Lethe Dmitriyevich Shostakovich on June 07, 2011, 10:20:51 AM
I had forgotten about that one: its omission as a major work was definitely an accident, not a slight. I don't find myself listening to it very often, though - must correct this sometime.
There is too much music in the world to listen to anything very often without slighting something else. :( :)
Quote from: Lethe Dmitriyevich Shostakovich on June 07, 2011, 10:20:51 AM
I had forgotten about that one: its omission as a major work was definitely an accident, not a slight. I don't find myself listening to it very often, though - must correct this sometime.
It don't find myself listening to it much either because it's too painful to hear, especially knowing the circumstances that went into writing it.
So glad to see so much Finzi Cello Concerto love. This was the piece that made me love music.
just heard this on you tube - real mood piece
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CajKTPr6p1w)
My link did not work = wonders of technology = anyway recommend There is a willow aslant a brook from Frank Bridge
real mood piece ::)
Quote from: offbeat on June 07, 2012, 07:08:41 AM
just heard this on you tube - real mood piece
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CajKTPr6p1w)
http://www.youtube.com/v/CajKTPr6p1w
I like that work too. Bridge was an excellent and misunderstood composer I think. I love Oration, Enter Spring and The Sea.
Piano Trio No.2, Masterpiece
Yet another work by a pre-WWI era Composer rocked by the war. Things would never be the same. By 1920, everything was turning to jazz or the 'stern' stuff. Elgar, Bridge, Saint-Saens,... many Composers' greatest works came out 1914-19. The Death of Romanticism
Quote from: snyprrr on June 07, 2012, 12:02:21 PM
Piano Trio No.2, Masterpiece
Yet another work by a pre-WWI era Composer rocked by the war. Things would never be the same. By 1920, everything was turning to jazz or the 'stern' stuff. Elgar, Bridge, Saint-Saens,... many Composers' greatest works came out 1914-19. The Death of Romanticism
Must give that a listen to today (if I can find the CD :D).
Quote from: snyprrr on June 07, 2012, 12:02:21 PM
Piano Trio No.2, Masterpiece
Listening to it now (Dartington Trio) - wonderful work.
Quote from: vandermolen on June 08, 2012, 01:46:52 AM
Listening to it now (Dartington Trio) - wonderful work.
Oo, that Hyperion sound, too! That is such a good disc!
Hm, well I see there is a disc I must investigate . . . .
I just acquired the entire Bridge series on Chandos with Hickox, needless to say I'm excited!
I own Hickox's Bridge series as well, but Bridge is a tough sell for me. He's another composer that I just can't connect with no matter what work I listen to.
Quote from: Mirror Image on February 09, 2013, 07:46:51 AM
I own Hickox's Bridge series as well, but Bridge is a tough sell for me. He's another composer that I just can't connect with no matter what work I listen to.
I'm a total Bridge newbie, only heard of him by listening to Britten's variation piece on a Bridge theme.
Earlier I went through the first disk and was very pleased. LOVE those long tone poems. Will take more listens to put together thoughts, but so far it's good.
Quote from: Leo K. on February 09, 2013, 12:25:50 PM
I'm a total Bridge newbie, only heard of him by listening to Britten's variation piece on a Bridge theme.
Earlier I went through the first disk and was very pleased. LOVE those long tone poems. Will take more listens to put together thoughts, but so far it's good.
Once you examine the series, then don't hesitate to give me your favorites from the each disc. I'm always willing to lend an ear to Bridge in hopes of connecting somehow to his music.
Quote from: Mirror Image on February 09, 2013, 05:41:33 PM
Once you examine the series, then don't hesitate to give me your favorites from the each disc. I'm always willing to lend an ear to Bridge in hopes of connecting somehow to his music.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51EZ7C8anyL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
I certainly will John. I'm still on the 1st CD. Bridge's 18 minute tone poem
Isabella (a Keats text) that dates from 1907 certainly deserves plenty of live outings in the concert hall. It's a vivid telling of the dreadful tale complete with lovely lyrical invention.
I'm also impressed with
Mid of the Night, Bridge is certainly ambitious at 24 years old here, this amazes me. Great orchestral writing. I know I'm going to grow to love this work.
Quote from: Leo K. on February 10, 2013, 06:20:12 AM
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51EZ7C8anyL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
I certainly will John. I'm still on the 1st CD. Bridge's 18 minute tone poem Isabella (a Keats text) that dates from 1907 certainly deserves plenty of live outings in the concert hall. It's a vivid telling of the dreadful tale complete with lovely lyrical invention.
I'm also impressed with Mid of the Night, Bridge is certainly ambitious at 24 years old here, this amazes me. Great orchestral writing. I know I'm going to grow to love this work.
Excellent, Leo. Thanks for the feedback. I'll give
Isabella a spin soon. :)
Quote from: Leo K. on February 09, 2013, 07:45:30 AM
I just acquired the entire Bridge series on Chandos with Hickox, needless to say I'm excited!
One word: Oration.
Quote from: karlhenning on February 10, 2013, 06:29:55 AM
One word: Oration.
Have yet to hear it, will listen very soon!
And John, I'll give Isabella another listen today too.
Also bought the Hickox set, and decided to go through the works chronologically.
And while I definitely enjoyed the earlier works, the Dance Poem (H.111) really impressed me. From what I'm read, plenty of other people seem to think it's a landmark in Bridge's stylistic evolution as well.
Quite excited on that basis for the works of World War I and afterwards.
BBC Music Magazine this month features a great CD with the best performance of 'The Sea' that I have heard (I have five other recordings). The flute solo in the third movement and the movement as a whole is more affecting than any of the others. Martyn Brabbins conducts the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. It is coupled with a classic performance of Vaughan Williams's Symphony No 6 (1972 London Proms) BBC SO, Boult (who conducted the first performance of the work).
Still navigating the Hickox set... I just found A Prayer to be very effective. Which, given that I'm not much of an aficionado of choral works, was a nice moment.
No love for Frank Bridge's Piano Sonata? This has to be one of the best overlooked piano works of the early 20th century. It has quite an unmatched atmosphere that comes from the skilled use of bitonality. Take a listen:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aiWXBNioxE
I still haven't finished with the Hickox set (hey, I was away for ages), but I've become curious about finding out what else is out there. The chamber music seems well represented, the songs have all been recorded (there's a comprehensive Hyperion set for starters), the piano music is covered as well...
But the choral works seem at first glance to be missing in action other than A Prayer.
From what I can gather, there are 19 other works out there and I'm not sure whether any of them have been recorded. My list includes 8 a capella pieces, 10 with piano and 1 with organ. Of the ones with piano accompaniment, half have also have an orchestral/strings version.
PIANO TRIO No.2
Putting together a proper list also made me realise something else I should have noticed from the Hickox set. There is a large mid-career gap in Bridge's orchestral output.
There are quite a few pieces from that period that he subsequently orchestrated, but most of those orchestrations weren't contemperaneous: there's a big surge around 1938 as he needed orchestral pieces for performance. In terms of pieces conceived as orchestral, it appears that there's several around 1914/15, followed by the choral work A Prayer (around 1916-18), the song Blow Out You Bugles (1918) and then... nothing until 1926/27.
In terms of my Hickox listening it's actually a very interesting moment for me, because I've just crossed over into the 'late' period after the Piano Sonata and I'll soon be reaching the small number of late works conceived for orchestra. The heavy hitters are approaching: Enter Spring, There Is A Willow Grows Aslant A Brook, Oration and Phantasm. By the accounts of many people here, these are the Bridge classics.
I received that Hickox set very recently and have been exploring it in the last two weeks. Yeah, you are definitely in for the best pieces now, although I was pleasantly surprised by some of the earlier works. Phantasm and Oration I especially like, but knew them already from other recordings.
Will explore the chamber works now, SQ 4 and the Piano Quintet should be coming in the mail soon. Next up will be the Trios.
I just heard Phantasm for the first time. Great stuff!
My brain immediately decided to propose a concert or CD program of Phantasm, Ravel's Piano Concerto for the Left Hand and Rachmaninov's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. All single movement works for piano and orchestra that I like very much and written in a span of just a few years. I'm definitely going to try that combination.
(edit: and by expanding the timeframe slightly I could throw in Rhapsody in Blue as well. Ooh I'm liking this notion!)
Quote from: orfeo on September 30, 2013, 08:30:34 AM
I just heard Phantasm for the first time. Great stuff!
Thumbs up! Is this your first exposure to Bridge's music?
Quote from: orfeo on September 30, 2013, 08:30:34 AM
I just heard Phantasm for the first time. Great stuff!
My brain immediately decided to propose a concert or CD program of Phantasm, Ravel's Piano Concerto for the Left Hand and Rachmaninov's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. All single movement works for piano and orchestra that I like very much and written in a span of just a few years. I'm definitely going to try that combination.
(edit: and by expanding the timeframe slightly I could throw in Rhapsody in Blue as well. Ooh I'm liking this notion!)
Then go to Oraion, his even better cello "concerto".
Quote from: The new erato on September 30, 2013, 01:16:46 PM
Then go to Oraion, his even better cello "concerto".
+1 Also, be sure to check out
Enter Spring,
The Sea and
There grows a willow aslant a brook. All are top-drawer Bridge.
Quote from: kyjo on September 30, 2013, 01:20:16 PM
+1 Also, be sure to check out Enter Spring, The Sea and There grows a willow aslant a brook. All are top-drawer Bridge.
Absolutely agree.
Quote from: The new erato on September 30, 2013, 01:16:46 PM
Then go to Oraion, his even better cello "concerto".
Already heard it. I know multiple people consider it Bridge's best work but I didn't. I did like it, but found it didn't engage me as much as several others.
Well, I've finally reached the end of the Hickox set, with the Allegro Moderato (aka a bit of an unfinished symphony).
Only took me 13 months...
I'll leave it a little while, but then I want to go back and listen to the pieces in the order they're presented, rather than the chronological tack I decided to take this time. It will be interested to see how I respond to the programming of each CD.
.....and what is your verdict on the music? :)
...why is it that when I post on this particular thread, people never read anything else I ever posted on this thread?
Quote from: orfeo on November 06, 2013, 11:58:04 AM
...why is it that when I post on this particular thread, people never read anything else I ever posted on this thread?
My apologies!
Cross-post
Oration is brilliant!
I find the epilogue to Oration to be very moving, apparently it was an afterthought. I always think of a star shining over a blasted First World War battlefield.
I've just been listening to the 3 Idylls for string quartet. Very nice... I have a feeling I'd enjoy Bridge as a chamber music composer.
Any particular recommendations? I know Hyperion has recorded some of the works, but it actually looks as if it's Naxos that has put the most effort into this catalogue. There are discs covering the numbered string quartets, other works for string quartet, and the piano trios.
Quote from: vandermolen on March 08, 2014, 11:55:00 PM
I find the epilogue to Oration to be very moving, apparently it was an afterthought. I always think of a star shining over a blasted First World War battlefield.
Lovely!
Quote from: orfeo on August 07, 2014, 05:17:13 AM
I've listened to all the works before, but when I bought the 6-volume set I listened to the works in chronological order rather than disc order (and intermixed with all the other things I bought at the same time).
Enter Spring is the only post-War work on volume 1, and it does show. As performed here it has real colour and verve, and a grand sweep.
I'm not sure any of the other pieces are on the same level, but they're by no means bad and worth hearing. Isabella is focused on creating a rather sweetly romantic atmosphere (although there's a bit of drama at the halfway mark), and the first of the 2 shorter Poems is deliberately all a gentle haze with distant horn calls. The second Poem is a bright little scherzo. Mid of the Night is Bridge's first symphonic poem and also the longest (26 minutes here, versus 18 for Enter Spring and Isabella). For something that had to wait 96 years between performances, it's fairly entertaining even if it is undoubtedly longer than it needed to be.
The recording is, to my ears, consistently top-notch. The richness and colour of Bridge's scoring comes across very well I think.
Garn, I have got
Enter Spring on the Naxos
Judd/EnnZedd disc, but I do not know that I've actually listened to it.
I'm curious about
Phantasm now, too . . . .
Quote from: karlhenning on August 07, 2014, 05:35:40 AM
Lovely!
Garn, I have got Enter Spring on the Naxos Judd/EnnZedd disc, but I do not know that I've actually listened to it.
I'm curious about Phantasm now, too . . . .
You'll enjoy Phantasm
Karl. I think that everything that Bridge wrote is worth hearing. He is a most underrated composer. Vaughan Williams was negative about some of Bridge's music but in my opinion he was wrong. Phantasm, like much else of Bridge is a powerful and searching piece.
Quote from: vandermolen on August 07, 2014, 08:13:02 AM
You'll enjoy Phantasm Karl. I think that everything that Bridge wrote is worth hearing. He is a most underrated composer. Vaughan Williams was negative about some of Bridge's music but in my opinion he was wrong. Phantasm, like much else of Bridge is a powerful and searching piece.
(my emphasis) And, well, that's all right: you must allow an artist his likes and dislikes, because in his own soul, that is part of how his own art is shaped.
You're right, that that negativity is not dogma.
Do you, orfeo or Jeffrey, have a preferred account of Phantasm? No urgency, I am still in the "mulling" stage . . . and I need to lay hands on my CD of Enter Spring soon . . . .
I only have the Hickox set. But Phantasm was my personal favourite thing from that whole set, if that's any guide.
Quote from: karlhenning on August 07, 2014, 08:21:51 AM
Do you, orfeo or Jeffrey, have a preferred account of Phantasm? No urgency, I am still in the "mulling" stage . . . and I need to lay hands on my CD of Enter Spring soon . . . .
Karl (by the way, do you know that you are the only person attached to this forum whose name i always write in bold? (Because you always write my name in bold - I hope that you are appreciating this
Karl) 8)
Now, back to Bridge, my favourite version is below (if I can get the picture to appear). This is the version on Lyrita but I have a bias here as it also contains my favourite version of 'Oration' which I consider an out-and-out masterpiece it is also my old LP version of Phantasm and I have not done a proper comparison with other performances. Still, it is a great CD and although Lyrita CDs can be expensive online I see that it is under £5.00 second-hand on UK Amazon.
[asin]B000U9XG34[/asin]
Cheers, Jeffrey & orfeo!
Quote from: karlhenning on August 08, 2014, 02:09:10 AM
Cheers, Jeffrey & orfeo!
A pleasure
Karl,
I am listening to the Lyrita CD now and Peter Wallfish gives an excellent performance with fine, urgent accompaniment from Nicholas Braithwaite and the LPO. Recording is excellent too. The CD below is also excellent and has different accompanying pieces, both of which I admire very much but the Lyrita CD would be my top recommendation:
[asin]B001SH0UMC[/asin]
As far as Phantasm goes I don't think that you will go wrong with any of the three versions available and I have no doubt that Orfeo is right about the Chandos recording which I am less familiar with.
I certainly enjoyed the samples on this one:
[asin]B000U9XG34[/asin]
I was thinking of just downloading Phantasm, since I already have two recordings of Oration . . . but those samples sounded so tasty, too, probably I'll snaffle up the whole album.
I'm interested that no-one has really championed Bridge's very fine string quartets here (though they have been mentioned en passant). There are five - an early "Phantasie Quartet" 1905) and 4 numbered works. 1 and 2 show influences by Tchaikovsky, Faure and Debussy, whilst 3 and 4, from the 20s and 30s respectively, are more akin to the work of the composers of the 2nd Viennese school, especially Berg. I think that Nos. 2 and 4 are especially fine.
There are also some other rewarding but slighter pieces for sting quartet such as the "Novelletten" (1904) and "Three Idylls" (1906), and some gorgeous and ingenious English folk song arrangements for string quartet besides.
My go to recordings for these works are three discs on Naxos by the (English) Maggini Quartet.
The quartets (and indeed Bridge's chamber work more generally) are on my "to do" list. I certainly noted that they included a couple of late works.
Quote from: ørfeo on October 18, 2016, 01:39:04 AM
The quartets (and indeed Bridge's chamber work more generally) are on my "to do" list.
I've been really impressed with the
Piano Trio No. 2 lately, and its mesmeric sound world.
Quote from: ørfeo on October 18, 2016, 01:39:04 AM
The quartets (and indeed Bridge's chamber work more generally) are on my "to do" list. I certainly noted that they included a couple of late works.
As Reckoner says, the 2nd piano trio is a work of considerable interest, and so is the very turbulent and unsettling 1932 Sonata for violin and piano - there's a magnificent recorded version by members of the Nash ensemble on a disc which should be of some interest (Cello sonata, Phantasie piano quartet, An Irish Melody: The Londonderry Air, Cherry Ripe and Sally in our Alley, all for string quartet. Though perhaps the definitive Cello sonata recording is the Decca Rostropovitch / Britten disc.)
Of his other late chamber works, I've never been able to track down a recording of either his 1928 Rhapsody Trio for 2 violins and viola (though I think at least one exists), or the 1934 Four Divertimenti for flute, oboe, clarinet and bassoon. Sadly the intended Viola sonata consists of a few sketches only, so we'll never hear the work he might have composed for his own chamber instrument.
I've been playing this cd. I haven't listened to it for a while. I was thinking that the old Lp version,I used to play,had better artwork,so I looked it up! yes,much better! :) I sometimes think I'd play the cd more if they had used this instead......or even another attractive painting!. Silly of me,I know!! ::)
(http://i.imgur.com/fnw3DnX.jpg) (http://i.imgur.com/TK443wW.jpg)
Quote from: cilgwyn on July 13, 2017, 02:50:42 AM
I've been playing this cd. I haven't listened to it for a while. I was thinking that the old Lp version,I used to play,had better artwork,so I looked it up! yes,much better! :) I sometimes think I'd play the cd more if they had used this instead......or even another attractive painting!. Silly of me,I know!! ::)
(http://i.imgur.com/fnw3DnX.jpg) (http://i.imgur.com/TK443wW.jpg)
Not silly of you - I often have the same opinion (well, maybe we are both silly!) 8)
If you buy the Charles Groves boxed set you get a mini version of the original LP sleeve with the original art work on. Coincidentally I've been listening to Vernon Handley's recording of 'The Sea' on Chandos ( with works by Bax, Britten and Stanford). I hadn't realised that it was so good - my favourite version and I have at least four other versions - especially moving in the slow movement. The original CD release is now prohibitively expensive (not on Amazon US). The reissue on Chandos has the additional Stanford work - the best I think of his Irish Rhapsodies but has a less interesting seascape cover art.
[asin]B00T8RIN82[/asin]
Original issue:
[asin]B000000AEQ[/asin]
Reissue:
[asin]B000LC4WUQ[/asin]
To my complete surprise, one of things I've enjoyed as I'm working through Bridge's music chronologically is his work for organ.
I'm not at all fan of organ music in general, but so far I've tried 6 pieces from this album via streaming (2 blocks of 3 pieces, all from 1905) and liked them quite a lot.
[asin]B0000263K1[/asin]
I know this is the wrong thread, but man, the Britten Sea Interludes are the filler on so many discs!
Quote from: ørfeo on September 28, 2017, 05:42:05 AM
To my complete surprise, one of things I've enjoyed as I'm working through Bridge's music chronologically is his work for organ.
I'm not at all fan of organ music in general, but so far I've tried 6 pieces from this album via streaming (2 blocks of 3 pieces, all from 1905) and liked them quite a lot.
[asin]B0000263K1[/asin]
That's a very nice CD.
^^^ I didn't know that disc existed - I've not bought any of Bridge's organ works because all I've been able to find are discs with one or two pieces in a compilation. This looks interesting.
I'm not usually too keen on solo piano music, but Bridge's Piano Sonata is an outright masterpiece which is desperately haunting and tragic. His Cello Sonata and "Phantasm" are also marvelous, powerful works. This thread reminds me that I need to explore more of Bridge's output because everything I've heard by him so far has impressed me deeply.
Quote from: kyjo on September 28, 2017, 01:29:30 PM
I'm not usually too keen on solo piano music, but Bridge's Piano Sonata is an outright masterpiece which is desperately haunting and tragic. His Cello Sonata and "Phantasm" are also marvelous, powerful works. This thread reminds me that I need to explore more of Bridge's output because everything I've heard by him so far has impressed me deeply.
Do you know 'Oration' Kyle? A tragic cello concerto and a tribute to the fallen in the First World War. Bridge was a pacifist. Oration has the most beautiful, redemptive epilogue, apparently an afterthought.
Quote from: vandermolen on September 28, 2017, 01:51:26 PM
Do you know 'Oration' Kyle? A tragic cello concerto and a tribute to the fallen in the First World War. Bridge was a pacifist. Oration has the most beautiful, redemptive epilogue, apparently an afterthought.
Embarrassingly, I don't :-[ I'll make it a point to listen to it later tonight!
Quote from: kyjo on September 28, 2017, 07:07:38 PM
Embarrassingly, I don't :-[ I'll make it a point to listen to it later tonight!
Let us know what you think.
Quote from: vandermolen on September 28, 2017, 09:34:42 PM
Let us know what you think.
Just finished listening. Why this piece isn't part of the standard cello repertoire is beyond me! Great stuff. I definitely agree with you about the ending - very moving, reminding me a bit of the similarly redemptive ending of Honegger's Third Symphony (
Liturgique).
Quote from: kyjo on September 28, 2017, 10:02:43 PM
Just finished listening. Why this piece isn't part of the standard cello repertoire is beyond me! Great stuff. I definitely agree with you about the ending - very moving, reminding me a bit of the similarly redemptive ending of Honegger's Third Symphony (Liturgique).
Delighted that you enjoyed it Kyle and I think that you are quite right about the Honegger 'Liturgique' connection. Both are turbulent works with movingly redemptive endings. The Epilogue in 'Oration' always make me think of a star shining over a war-blasted desolate landscape.
Quote from: vandermolen on September 28, 2017, 01:51:26 PM
Do you know 'Oration' Kyle? A tragic cello concerto and a tribute to the fallen in the First World War. Bridge was a pacifist. Oration has the most beautiful, redemptive epilogue, apparently an afterthought.
I just bought the Julian Lloyd-Webber recording of
Oration on Lyrita. Rather looking forward to hearing it. I'm still not a huge fan of Bridge's music, but something tells me I should keep trying.
Quote from: Mirror Image on September 29, 2017, 07:31:07 AM
I just bought the Julian Lloyd-Webber recording of Oration on Lyrita. Rather looking forward to hearing it. I'm still not a huge fan of Bridge's music, but something tells me I should keep trying.
You should keep trying :) I'm sure you'll enjoy that disc - the accompanying
Phantasm is marvelous as well.
Quote from: kyjo on September 29, 2017, 07:33:07 AM
You should keep trying :) I'm sure you'll enjoy that disc - the accompanying Phantasm is marvelous as well.
Excellent to hear, Kyle. 8)
Quote from: Mirror Image on September 29, 2017, 07:31:07 AM
I just bought the Julian Lloyd-Webber recording of Oration on Lyrita. Rather looking forward to hearing it. I'm still not a huge fan of Bridge's music, but something tells me I should keep trying.
That's the best version John (I have them all! ::)) - a superb disc in every way. Hope you get to enjoy it.
Quote from: vandermolen on September 29, 2017, 12:15:08 PM
That's the best version John (I have them all! ::)) - a superb disc in every way. Hope you get to enjoy it.
Thanks, Jeffrey. I also bought three Bridge chamber discs on Hyperion. Really looking forward to hearing this music as I remember reading that Bridge's chamber music was the strongest part of his oeuvre. Would you agree with this opinion?
Quote from: Mirror Image on September 29, 2017, 06:11:54 PM
Thanks, Jeffrey. I also bought three Bridge chamber discs on Hyperion. Really looking forward to hearing this music as I remember reading that Bridge's chamber music was the strongest part of his oeuvre. Would you agree with this opinion?
I don't know about Jeffrey, but I'm strongly inclining to that view myself. Though of course I'm a chamber fan generally.
I do think it's worth noting that there is a considerable difference between Bridge's early and late works. There aren't many composers who've undergone such a marked shift in musical language. A lot of the early work has the air of the salon about it (though I think the larger-scale chamber works are more substantial than that). But by the time you get to later works like
Oration and
Phantasm, Bridge's language is darker, tougher and more complex.
EDIT: On the Hyperion discs you bought, you'll get a fair few early works (there are more 'early' works anyway), but then you'll probably find later things like the Violin Sonata and String Quartet No.4 to be noticeably different.
Quote from: ørfeo on September 29, 2017, 07:01:51 PM
I don't know about Jeffrey, but I'm strongly inclining to that view myself. Though of course I'm a chamber fan generally.
I do think it's worth noting that there is a considerable difference between Bridge's early and late works. There aren't many composers who've undergone such a marked shift in musical language. A lot of the early work has the air of the salon about it (though I think the larger-scale chamber works are more substantial than that). But by the time you get to later works like Oration and Phantasm, Bridge's language is darker, tougher and more complex.
Thanks, orfeo. I look forward to hearing that progression. What work, in your opinion, should I listen to first?
Quote from: Mirror Image on September 29, 2017, 07:03:54 PM
Thanks, orfeo. I look forward to hearing that progression. What work, in your opinion, should I listen to first?
You know me, I always like chronologies. But in the case of Bridge it depends on whether you want to leave the most impressive stuff until last.
Quote from: ørfeo on September 29, 2017, 07:07:55 PM
You know me, I always like chronologies. But in the case of Bridge it depends on whether you want to leave the most impressive stuff until last.
Alright, well, allow me to rephrase my previous question: what work from Bridge would you say is the work that best encapsulates everything that is great about his music?
Quote from: Mirror Image on September 29, 2017, 07:16:46 PM
Alright, well, allow me to rephrase my previous question: what work from Bridge would you say is the work that best encapsulates everything that is great about his music?
Oh gosh. It's not as if I know half of them well enough yet. I only bought all my chamber music less than a year ago...
But out of the things that you're getting, I would rate
Phantasm and the Piano Trio No.2 very highly.
Quote from: ørfeo on September 29, 2017, 07:23:11 PM
Oh gosh. It's not as if I know half of them well enough yet. I only bought all my chamber music less than a year ago...
But out of the things that you're getting, I would rate Phantasm and the Piano Trio No.2 very highly.
Ah okay, thanks a lot!
Interesting article:
https://goodmorningbritten.wordpress.com/2013/03/13/foundations-britten-and-frank-bridge (https://goodmorningbritten.wordpress.com/2013/03/13/foundations-britten-and-frank-bridge)
Quote from: α | ì Æ ñ on September 29, 2017, 07:43:54 PM
Never heard of this guy
Seriously? :o That's a bit surprising given how versed you are in the 20th Century.
Quote from: α | ì Æ ñ on September 29, 2017, 07:50:37 PMEnglish, early century, romantic, is that right? please don't kill me......sorry
You got the English part right, but I'm not so sure about the Romantic part. I'll leave that up to someone else. I remember hearing one of the later works from Bridge and it sounded like early Modernism to me.
Quote from: α | ì Æ ñ on September 29, 2017, 07:50:37 PM
Yeah, just from a brief read and listen, I can sort of see why...........
English, early century, romantic, is that right? please don't kill me......sorry
I would have thought the preceding conversation made it pretty clear that the impression you will get will depend a LOT on exactly what you 'briefly listened' to.
Quote from: Mirror Image on September 29, 2017, 06:11:54 PM
Thanks, Jeffrey. I also bought three Bridge chamber discs on Hyperion. Really looking forward to hearing this music as I remember reading that Bridge's chamber music was the strongest part of his oeuvre. Would you agree with this opinion?
Well John, I really like the orchestral works, 'Enter Spring', 'Oration', 'The Sea' and 'Phatasm' so I would not say that I prefer the chamber music but maybe that is because I am less familiar with it. Having said that I think that the Sonata for Cello and Piano is a marvellous and, in places, very moving work. I'm really enjoying this inexpensive CD (if the picture appears) at the moment.
[asin]B00005OB1H[/asin]
Bridge is actually much less well known that he should be. Vaughan Williams was critical of Bridge's later, more 'modern' music but I think that VW was wrong. Of course Britten had a very high regard for the music of Bridge - his former teacher and I have a very nice CD of Britten conducting 'The Sea' and 'Enter Spring' (possibly Bridge's masterpiece, although I rate 'Oration' very highly as well) as well as some of his own music and music by Holst.
[asin]B00000JWIQ[/asin]
Quote from: vandermolen on September 30, 2017, 12:53:14 AM
Well John, I really like the orchestral works, 'Enter Spring', 'Oration', 'The Sea' and 'Phatasm' so I would not say that I prefer the chamber music but maybe that is because I am less familiar with it. Having said that I think that the Sonata for Cello and Piano is a marvellous and, in places, very moving work. I'm really enjoying this inexpensive CD (if the picture appears) at the moment.
[asin]B00005OB1H[/asin]
Bridge is actually much less well known that he should be. Vaughan Williams was critical of Bridge's later, more 'modern' music but I think that VW was wrong. Of course Britten had a very high regard for the music of Bridge - his former teacher and I have a very nice CD of Britten conducting 'The Sea' and 'Enter Spring' (possibly Bridge's masterpiece, although I rate 'Oration' very highly as well) as well as some of his own music and music by Holst.
[asin]B00000JWIQ[/asin]
Thanks for the recommendations, Jeffrey. Of course, I have four recordings of Bridge's chamber music coming (and not to mention the Lloyd-Weber recording of
Oration) that should keep me busy for quite awhile. 8) I never paid much attention to composers criticizing other composers, because they do not speak for the listener.
Quote from: Mirror Image on September 30, 2017, 05:50:09 AM
Thanks for the recommendations, Jeffrey. Of course, I have four recordings of Bridge's chamber music coming (and not to mention the Lloyd-Weber recording of Oration) that should keep me busy for quite awhile. 8) I never paid much attention to composers criticizing other composers, because they do not speak for the listener.
I'm sure you'll really like Oration John - a very stormy and turbulent work with a beautiful, redemptive ending. 'Undeservedly neglected' is often an overused expression (not least by me 8)) but, in the case of Bridge, it is true.
Quote from: Mirror Image on September 29, 2017, 07:55:07 PM
You got the English part right, but I'm not so sure about the Romantic part. I'll leave that up to someone else. I remember hearing one of the later works from Bridge and it sounded like early Modernism to me.
Bridge certainly started out writing in a post-romantic idiom - Brahms, Dvorak, Tchaikovsky and Elgar are often named as early influences, but he also became interested early on in the work of contemporary modernists such as Delius, Debussy and Ravel as well as Schoenberg, Zemlinsky and maybe especially Berg. His dwindling popularity as a composer in the UK seems to have followed his move towards Continental modernism and expressionism. One UK critic is said to have accused him of deliberately 'uglifying' his music so to do.
I like some of his early works a good deal - the 2nd string quartet stands out, the 'Four English Folk Songs' and the 'Phantasy' piano quartet amongst his chamber music, and 'Summer' amongst his orchestral compositions.
But his greatest music starts for me with the Cello Sonata completed in 1917. The piano sonata and the Hour Glass suite, and the 2nd violin sonata of 1932 are certainly modernist works. His 3rd (a thorny work, in my view) and 4th string quartets are really quite dissonant works, as is the 2nd piano trio.
Amongst his late orchestral works Enter Spring, Oration and Phantasm (which have already been mentioned) and the overture Rebus are very fine works.
I'm not sure why Bridge's work isn't more popular and hasn't garnered more interest - but he's certainly one of my favourite 'minor' composers.
Quote from: vandermolen on September 30, 2017, 12:53:14 AM
I think that the Sonata for Cello and Piano is a marvellous and, in places, very moving work.
+1 One of the finest cello sonatas of the 20th century IMO. Interestingly enough, just like the ending of
Oration put me in mind of the ending of Honegger's
Liturgique, Bridge's Cello Sonata reminds me of Honegger's equally dark and emotional Cello Sonata written around the same time.
Quote from: kyjo on September 30, 2017, 11:27:10 AM
+1 One of the finest cello sonatas of the 20th century IMO. Interestingly enough, just like the ending of Oration put me in mind of the ending of Honegger's Liturgique, Bridge's Cello Sonata reminds me of Honegger's equally dark and emotional Cello Sonata written around the same time.
Interesting Kyle. I need to track down the Honegger - another of my favourite composers.
Quote from: vandermolen on September 30, 2017, 12:25:45 PM
Interesting Kyle. I need to track down the Honegger - another of my favourite composers.
I think you'll enjoy it, Jeffrey. I highly recommend this disc:
[asin]B000W9ER7Q[/asin]
I digress...
Quote from: kyjo on September 30, 2017, 12:43:29 PM
I think you'll enjoy it, Jeffrey. I highly recommend this disc:
[asin]B000W9ER7Q[/asin]
I digress...
OT
I'd just spotted that one Kyle - looks very good.
Quote from: Turbot nouveaux on September 30, 2017, 10:01:15 AM
Bridge certainly started out writing in a post-romantic idiom - Brahms, Dvorak, Tchaikovsky and Elgar are often named as early influences, but he also became interested early on in the work of contemporary modernists such as Delius, Debussy and Ravel as well as Schoenberg, Zemlinsky and maybe especially Berg. His dwindling popularity as a composer in the UK seems to have followed his move towards Continental modernism and expressionism. One UK critic is said to have accused him of deliberately 'uglifying' his music so to do.
I like some of his early works a good deal - the 2nd string quartet stands out, the 'Four English Folk Songs' and the 'Phantasy' piano quartet amongst his chamber music, and 'Summer' amongst his orchestral compositions.
But his greatest music starts for me with the Cello Sonata completed in 1917. The piano sonata and the Hour Glass suite, and the 2nd violin sonata of 1932 are certainly modernist works. His 3rd (a thorny work, in my view) and 4th string quartets are really quite dissonant works, as is the 2nd piano trio.
Amongst his late orchestral works Enter Spring, Oration and Phantasm (which have already been mentioned) and the overture Rebus are very fine works.
I'm not sure why Bridge's work isn't more popular and hasn't garnered more interest - but he's certainly one of my favourite 'minor' composers.
Thanks for this informative post. Most illuminating indeed. 8)
I must re listen to 'Rebus' mentioned by Turbot Nouveaux above.
Bridge isn't a favorite composer I can consider as such. So far, some works I really like are Enter Spring, The Sea, Phantasm, Dance Rhapsody, and Norse Legend. Oration didn't grab me (although I'd need to listen to it more). I'm still exploring his music, especially the chamber works.
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on October 01, 2017, 01:37:03 PM
Bridge isn't a favorite composer I can consider as such. So far, some works I really like are Enter Spring, The Sea, Phantasm, Dance Rhapsody, and Norse Legend. Oration didn't grab me (although I'd need to listen to it more). I'm still exploring his music, especially the chamber works.
You might like the Cello Sonata Caesar - a great work in my opinion.
Quote from: vandermolen on October 01, 2017, 09:10:03 PM
You might like the Cello Sonata Caesar - a great work in my opinion.
I'll keep in mind your recommendation. Thanks for the suggestion!
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on October 02, 2017, 05:08:26 PM
I'll keep in mind your recommendation. Thanks for the suggestion!
Check this out!
https://www.youtube.com/v/Gp0wuAhPCbI
Quote from: Mirror Image on October 02, 2017, 05:47:00 PM
Check this out!
https://www.youtube.com/v/Gp0wuAhPCbI
Thanks for the link! I'm gonna play it right now.
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on October 02, 2017, 08:42:43 PM
Thanks for the link! I'm gonna play it right now.
Excellent. Let me know what you think of the work and the performance. Personally, I found it quite alluring. The performance itself was top-notch.
First of all, being the first time I hear it, I consider the interpretation completely remarkable. The performance did justice to the sonata. Very well played. Overall, the work is not properly so impressive. I found it poetic, deep, permeated with an elegiac mood, very intimate indeed. Those features are properly represented.
To conclude, the sonata was worth to listen but not immediately engaging. I think it requires more listens to discover its secrets.
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on October 02, 2017, 09:21:15 PM
First of all, being the first time I hear it, I consider the interpretation completely remarkable. The performance did justice to the sonata. Very well played. Overall, the work is not properly so impressive. I found it poetic, deep, permeated with an elegiac mood, very intimate indeed. Those features are properly represented.
To conclude, the sonata was worth to listen but not immediately engaging. I think it requires more listens to discover its secrets.
Not everything can be immediately engaging right out of the gate of course, but I'm glad you realize that it's going to take more than one listen to 'get' this work.
Quote from: Mirror Image on October 03, 2017, 05:46:07 AM
Not everything can be immediately engaging right out of the gate of course, but I'm glad you realize that it's going to take more than one listen to 'get' this work.
It's true.
I'm seeing that I'll need several listens of other works by him. Bridge is not an 'easy composer'.
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on October 03, 2017, 03:40:35 PM
It's true.
I'm seeing that I'll need several listens of other works by him. Bridge is not an 'easy composer'.
Although works like 'Enter Spring' and 'The Sea' do have a more immediate appeal. People usually differentiate between 'early' and 'late' Bridge although Enter Spring is a late work.
Greetings.
Searching for the complete cello (chamber) works of Frank Bridge has unearthed only one recording:
[asin]B00005OB1H[/asin]
Might anyone know of others? And is it just me, or is that a rather unfortunate album cover design?
TIA,
-09
As for the OP, this (http://www.prestoclassical.co.uk/r/Hyperion/CDA67426) (early chamber music) is a good disc, though I am not sure of the significance of these works; here is another (http://www.prestoclassical.co.uk/r/Lyrita/SRCD302) worth your time.
Bridge's chamber music as a whole is likely too vast to be covered in a single release. I would focus on the string quartets and sonatas.
Quote from: Omicron9 on October 05, 2017, 06:42:11 AM
Greetings.
Searching for the complete cello (chamber) works of Frank Bridge has unearthed only one recording:
[asin]B00005OB1H[/asin]
Might anyone know of others? And is it just me, or is that a rather unfortunate album cover design?
TIA,
-09
I like that CD very much. I hadn't thought about the cover being 'unfortunate' but I think I see what you mean. ???
Quote from: schnittkease on October 05, 2017, 02:53:40 PM
As for the OP, this (http://www.prestoclassical.co.uk/r/Hyperion/CDA67426) (early chamber music) is a good disc, though I am not sure of the significance of these works; here is another (http://www.prestoclassical.co.uk/r/Lyrita/SRCD302) worth your time.
Bridge's chamber music as a whole is likely too vast to be covered in a single release. I would focus on the string quartets and sonatas.
Thanks; I appreciate that. I do have some of his other works, but had been listening to one of the cello pieces on YT, and it made me want to investigate his cello chamber works. I did order the CD in my original post; looking forward to it and more Bridge chamber works.
-09
Quote from: Omicron9 on October 05, 2017, 06:42:11 AM
Greetings.
Searching for the complete cello (chamber) works of Frank Bridge has unearthed only one recording:
[asin]B00005OB1H[/asin]
Might anyone know of others? And is it just me, or is that a rather unfortunate album cover design?
TIA,
-09
I'm glad someone mentioned this as I am a fan of cello music in general. I'm a subscriber to "Amazon Music Unlimited" which is $80/year to stream a whole bunch of different music, and this disc was included. I'll check it out within the next few days. I haven't listened to Bridge in a while. I recall not being all that enamored with Oration....I should probably give it another listen.
Just stumbled across Frank Bridge's Three Idylls. I was actually listening to Elgar's String Quartet, but the disc included Bridge's work as well as Walton's String Quartet (this latter work was wonderful as well). I sense that there are some British composers I need to become more familiar with. Three Idylls was a soft lamentation that simply touched me and I'm embarrassed to say that this was the very first work by Frank Bridge that I have ever heard. Beautiful!!!!!
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51PcHHfFdPL.jpg)
I've read through the thread (thanks everybody for suggesting works :)) and it seems like there is one camp that prefers his orchestral works while another favors the chamber works. Needless to say the listening experience of Three Idylls makes me lean towards the chamber works. Still, I am picking up Hickox's collection of orchestral works like many others on this thread so I can follow a similar path of exploration. I think I will dig into my collection as I have a feeling of that some of Bridge's works are "fillers" on some of the discs devoted to British music.
[asin] B0085AXSE2[/asin]
Choral works are not my thing. I agree the chamber works are great and also ended up acquiring this set with the idea of exploring the orchestral music.
Quote from: Baron Scarpia on May 21, 2018, 11:13:57 AM
Choral works are not my thing. I agree the chamber works are great and also ended up acquiring this set with the idea of exploring the orchestral music.
Have you been enjoying them (the non-choral ones ;)) ?
Is the Maggini Quartet a good gateway for exploring Bridge's main chamber works?
[asin] B0000BX5K4[/asin][asin] B0007ORDV8[/asin][asin] B0000014AD[/asin]
Moonfish - yes indeed the Maggini's are solidly good - and check out their version of the Piano Quintet as well coupled with the powerful Bax Quintet. That is an excellent disc. Bridge's Chamber music is probably his most impressive and individual music. I like the orchestral music a lot - Enter Spring is a masterpiece - but the chamber music is more questing.
PS: Oration is a work of certified genius - this is the best version I know - better than the Hickox version(s) or Lloyd-Webber on Lyrita [asin]B01EGVDQPY[/asin] - and don't let the nay-sayers about Nimbus distract you. This entire disc is very very fine
Quote from: Roasted Swan on May 21, 2018, 11:57:44 AM
PS: Oration is a work of certified genius - this is the best version I know - better than the Hickox version(s) or Lloyd-Webber on Lyrita [ - and don't let the nay-sayers about Nimbus distract you. This entire disc is very very fine
This one?
[asin] B000EXZGR0[/asin]
Quote from: Roasted Swan on May 21, 2018, 11:57:44 AM
Moonfish - yes indeed the Maggini's are solidly good - and check out their version of the Piano Quintet as well coupled with the powerful Bax Quintet. That is an excellent disc. Bridge's Chamber music is probably his most impressive and individual music. I like the orchestral music a lot - Enter Spring is a masterpiece - but the chamber music is more questing.
PS: Oration is a work of certified genius - this is the best version I know - better than the Hickox version(s) or Lloyd-Webber on Lyrita [asin]B01EGVDQPY[/asin] - and don't let the nay-sayers about Nimbus distract you. This entire disc is very very fine
Thanks for the suggestions, Roasted Swan! It is definitely new territory for me. I will see if I can find a copy and/or listen to the Nimbus recording. :)
I found a Bridge recording in my Groves box and have spent the last hour listening to a few of the tone poems and they are indeed very fine. Soothing, poetic and at times full of drama. It is easy to let one's mind wander into the realm of the music. Especially The Sea and Enter Spring, but I also enjoyed Summer and Lament very much. I think I need to listen to it one more time!!!
Frank Bridge:
The Sea
Summer
Cherry Ripe
Enter Spring
Lament
Groves/Royal Liverpool PO
(https://img.discogs.com/D2R3R7HIaQ5nAHbqlDAk3x6FYtE=/fit-in/453x443/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-5993400-1442025584-6733.jpeg.jpg)(http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2015/June/Groves_British_2564614724.jpg)
One thing I love about GMG is the somewhat eclectic taste of its members that allows us to come across and experience composers and works that exist in the perimeter of the "canon". There is always another musical work to experience as long as one keeps exploring. I'm excited that so many members have put forward suggestions and thoughts in regards to Frank Bridge's works. I look forward to hearing more. His chamber work Three Idylls as well as the several tone poems for orchestra (on the Groves recording) certainly were a pleasant surprise today.
(http://www.rcm.ac.uk/media/Frank%20Bridge%2016x9.jpg)
Great to hear you're enjoying Bridge, Moonfish! Some of my favorite works of this underrated composer include the lyrical and passionate Cello Sonata, the String Quartet no. 2, the haunting and tragic Piano Sonata, and his two late, dark concertante masterworks Oration (for cello) and Phantasm (for piano).
Quote from: Moonfish on May 21, 2018, 11:23:39 AM
Is the Maggini Quartet a good gateway for exploring Bridge's main chamber works?
[asin] B0000BX5K4[/asin][asin] B0007ORDV8[/asin][asin] B0000014AD[/asin]
Yes, if my own experience is any guide. And I think I bought these because all the reviews I could find were positive.
I also picked up this one for the piano trios:
[asin]B001NZA0CO[/asin]
TTT after 3+ years! And for me, my last posts were over 10 years ago, and I seem to own the same 5 discs shown below (top row) - after reviewing this entire thread, I'm considering adding the 4 CDs on the bottom row; definitely the first two to complete the string quartets and the highly recommended Oration/Phantasm - NOW, as to piano, not sure? There seems to be plenty of recordings available; the Naxos bargain ones below have received some excellent reviews, but is Bridge's solo keyboard output worth pursuing - could go on Spotify and give a listen, I guess but any comments would be much appreciated. Thanks. Dave
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51lAFVlBupL.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51u2jWS9VNL.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51KkkgLo73L.jpg) (http://) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51LY-7A8b1L.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51D5vj1auJL.jpg)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/710ZPE-wniL._SL1200_.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61MGLMyU7wL.jpg) (https://i.scdn.co/image/ab67616d0000b2730096fbae12f1f43c21b5911d) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71jp9HYxf8L._SL1200_.jpg)
Quote from: SonicMan46 on August 01, 2021, 09:12:09 AM
TTT after 3+ years! And for me, my last posts were over 10 years ago, and I seem to own the same 5 discs shown below (top row) - after reviewing this entire thread, I'm considering adding the 4 CDs on the bottom row; definitely the first two to complete the string quartets and the highly recommended Oration/Phantasm - NOW, as to piano, not sure? There seems to be plenty of recordings available; the Naxos bargain ones below have received some excellent reviews, but is Bridge's solo keyboard output worth pursuing - could go on Spotify and give a listen, I guess but any comments would be much appreciated. Thanks. Dave
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51lAFVlBupL.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51u2jWS9VNL.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51KkkgLo73L.jpg) (http://) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51LY-7A8b1L.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51D5vj1auJL.jpg)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/710ZPE-wniL._SL1200_.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61MGLMyU7wL.jpg) (https://i.scdn.co/image/ab67616d0000b2730096fbae12f1f43c21b5911d) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71jp9HYxf8L._SL1200_.jpg)
You won't go wrong with any of those discs from your 2nd row. I have both of the Wass discs - they are very good. His Bax discs were excellent but he seems to have rather fallen off the Naxos artist roster which is a shame. Bebbington is reliably fine in Bridge too. The Maggini & Lyrita discs are no brainers - Phantasm and Oration on the latter disc are two of the great British concertante works of the early 20th century
Quote from: Roasted Swan on August 01, 2021, 09:19:41 AM
You won't go wrong with any of those discs from your 2nd row. I have both of the Wass discs - they are very good. His Bax discs were excellent but he seems to have rather fallen off the Naxos artist roster which is a shame. Bebbington is reliably fine in Bridge too. The Maggini & Lyrita discs are no brainers - Phantasm and Oration on the latter disc are two of the great British concertante works of the early 20th century
Thanks
RS for your comments - I was sold on those first two, but wondered about which pianists 'rose to the top' - I've been impressed w/ the reviews on Bebbington's recordings of various British composers on the Somm label but not available at great prices vs. Naxos, so will likely go w/ the Wass offerings. Dave :)
Quote from: SonicMan46 on August 01, 2021, 09:12:09 AM
TTT after 3+ years! And for me, my last posts were over 10 years ago, and I seem to own the same 5 discs shown below (top row) - after reviewing this entire thread, I'm considering adding the 4 CDs on the bottom row; definitely the first two to complete the string quartets and the highly recommended Oration/Phantasm - NOW, as to piano, not sure? There seems to be plenty of recordings available; the Naxos bargain ones below have received some excellent reviews, but is Bridge's solo keyboard output worth pursuing - could go on Spotify and give a listen, I guess but any comments would be much appreciated. Thanks. Dave
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51lAFVlBupL.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51u2jWS9VNL.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51KkkgLo73L.jpg) (http://) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51LY-7A8b1L.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51D5vj1auJL.jpg)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/710ZPE-wniL._SL1200_.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61MGLMyU7wL.jpg) (https://i.scdn.co/image/ab67616d0000b2730096fbae12f1f43c21b5911d) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71jp9HYxf8L._SL1200_.jpg)
The Lyrita 'Oration' is my No.1 choice and I have every other recording. The EMI Groves CD of orchestral music is perhaps the best Bridge disc ever recorded with an unrivalled 'Enter Spring'.
For the piano music I went with Bebbington (3 volumes) and I'm happy with him. I'm moderately confident I compared with Wass before buying.
Quote from: Madiel on August 01, 2021, 02:52:20 PM
For the piano music I went with Bebbington (3 volumes) and I'm happy with him. I'm moderately confident I compared with Wass before buying.
As with every British composer under the sun any conversation on keyboard works must include Eric Parkin. Is there an important work he hasn't recorded?
The Bridge Sonata is a monumental work and a fine performance by Parkin.
Quote from: Irons on August 02, 2021, 06:09:58 AM
As with every British composer under the sun any conversation on keyboard works must include Eric Parkin. Is there an important work he hasn't recorded?
The Bridge Sonata is a monumental work and a fine performance by Parkin.
Hadn't heard of Eric Parkin before now, but I'll keep an eye out for his recordings.
I enjoy the Bridge CD on Naxos of his String Quartets Nos. 1 & 3.
PD
Quote from: SonicMan46 on August 01, 2021, 09:37:30 AM
Thanks RS for your comments - I was sold on those first two, but wondered about which pianists 'rose to the top' - I've been impressed w/ the reviews on Bebbington's recordings of various British composers on the Somm label but not available at great prices vs. Naxos, so will likely go w/ the Wass offerings. Dave :)
Quote from: Madiel on August 01, 2021, 02:52:20 PM
For the piano music I went with Bebbington (3 volumes) and I'm happy with him. I'm moderately confident I compared with Wass before buying.
Thanks all for your comments on the
Bridge 'piano options' - looked at some reviews of both
Wass &
Bebbington which are attached - some excellent ones for both and several pretty goods, but
Bebbington seems to win by a nose - however w/ the Naxos pricing (nearly 2 to 1 vs. Somm), I decided to buy the two
Wass recordings - listened to most of the first one on Spotify and was pleased, but also put together a Somm playlist of their 3 offerings and will audition soon. Dave :)
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on August 02, 2021, 07:24:03 AM
Hadn't heard of Eric Parkin before now, but I'll keep an eye out for his recordings.
I enjoy the Bridge CD on Naxos of his String Quartets Nos. 1 & 3.
PD
Take a peek at the John Ireland thread, PD.
Quote from: Irons on August 02, 2021, 06:09:58 AM
As with every British composer under the sun any conversation on keyboard works must include Eric Parkin. Is there an important work he hasn't recorded?
The Bridge Sonata is a monumental work and a fine performance by Parkin.
100% true regarding Eric Parkin but goodness me he recorded a lot of other repertoire too - and usually very well! His William Baines recordings have been a recent revelation to me;
(https://img.discogs.com/pkdHg0qSRxUL0iWtF_yjZ-M9WoA=/fit-in/300x300/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(40)/discogs-images/R-4082922-1354656280-1789.jpeg.jpg)(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71s-TkTOOWL._SX355_.jpg)
but then he's done some great 'light' Billy Mayerl
(https://www.prioryrecords.co.uk/image/cache/data/prcd/prcd565-500x500.jpg)(https://e.snmc.io/i/600/s/5dde7e92f013450c364293aa2da12229/3278068)
and even this great disc of American piano music.....
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51Zx0vwwGVL.jpg)
Quote from: Irons on August 03, 2021, 06:42:47 AM
Take a peek at the John Ireland thread, PD.
Thanks Irons! :)
PD
Quote from: Roasted Swan on August 03, 2021, 07:16:50 AM
100% true regarding Eric Parkin but goodness me he recorded a lot of other repertoire too - and usually very well! His William Baines recordings have been a recent revelation to me;
(https://img.discogs.com/pkdHg0qSRxUL0iWtF_yjZ-M9WoA=/fit-in/300x300/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(40)/discogs-images/R-4082922-1354656280-1789.jpeg.jpg)(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71s-TkTOOWL._SX355_.jpg)
but then he's done some great 'light' Billy Mayerl
(https://www.prioryrecords.co.uk/image/cache/data/prcd/prcd565-500x500.jpg)(https://e.snmc.io/i/600/s/5dde7e92f013450c364293aa2da12229/3278068)
and even this great disc of American piano music.....
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51Zx0vwwGVL.jpg)
You are right and wrong of me to pigeon-hole him in such a way especially as I have on my shelves...
I'm seeing what look like a lot of Eric Parkin LPs. Which are not of much use to those of us without turntables, and would be a clear reason why he would not necessarily be included in a conversation. If his recordings have never made it into CD or online formats, lots of us are not in a position to hear them and they're not going to be easy to purchase.
Quote from: Madiel on August 04, 2021, 06:37:38 AM
I'm seeing what look like a lot of Eric Parkin LPs. Which are not of much use to those of us without turntables, and would be a clear reason why he would not necessarily be included in a conversation. If his recordings have never made it into CD or online formats, lots of us are not in a position to hear them and they're not going to be easy to purchase.
All of the recordings I mention are CD's - just happens that the easy to find images are of the LP originals - not hard to check!
Quote from: Roasted Swan on August 04, 2021, 08:54:14 AM
All of the recordings I mention are CD's - just happens that the easy to find images are of the LP originals - not hard to check!
I went searching for Parkin playing Bridge and all I could find was vinyl.
I didn't go checking for other composers.
The more I listen to this composer's compositions, the more I get astounded. Just I was listening to Dance Poem. Bridge's orchestration skills are nothing but amazing, he also manages to feature an alluring sense of harmony and rhythm that make all the mix so compelling.
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51S0v-OoMHL.jpg)
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on February 01, 2022, 02:49:47 PM
The more I listen to this composer's compositions, the more I get astounded. Just I was listening to Dance Poem. Bridge's orchestration skills are nothing but amazing, he also manages to feature an alluring sense of harmony and rhythm that make all the mix so compelling.
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51S0v-OoMHL.jpg)
I must admit I'm mostly unfamiliar with Bridge's orchestral works apart from the magnificent
Enter Spring and those two darkly impressive concertante works -
Oration for cello and
Phantasm for piano. Oddly enough, I recall being rather disappointed by
The Sea. I'll have to give the
Dance Poem a listen!
Quote from: kyjo on February 03, 2022, 07:12:30 PM
I must admit I'm mostly unfamiliar with Bridge's orchestral works apart from the magnificent Enter Spring and those two darkly impressive concertante works - Oration for cello and Phantasm for piano. Oddly enough, I recall being rather disappointed by The Sea. I'll have to give the Dance Poem a listen!
Bridge's music is rather wonderful. The only 'issue' for anyone listening to any of his work is the remarkable transformation in style and content pre and post WWI. The Sea is an early work and quite quite different from the later orchestral pieces. But of its kind, I still think it is probably the finest orchestral suite written by any British composer at that time.
I have been listening mostly to Bridge's orchestral and chamber music, until I had a good listening to his piano music -- a CD I have had for 30 years but never really listened to attentively. The piano sonata is a masterpiece!
Quote from: springrite on February 03, 2022, 11:45:04 PM
I have been listening mostly to Bridge's orchestral and chamber music, until I had a good listening to his piano music -- a CD I have had for 30 years but never really listened to attentively. The piano sonata is a masterpiece!
The piano sonata is amazing. I like the pastoral 1st SQ but struggle with the others.
Quote from: Irons on February 04, 2022, 01:02:25 AM
The piano sonata is amazing. I like the pastoral 1st SQ but struggle with the others.
And, oddly enough, I'm coming to grips with Nos. 3 and 4 more and more. The Maggini Quartet makes them sound understandable to my ears.
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on February 04, 2022, 06:35:38 PM
And, oddly enough, I'm coming to grips with Nos. 3 and 4 more and more. The Maggini Quartet makes them sound understandable to my ears.
+1 for the later Bridge quartets...... greatest British String Quartets anyone........?!
Quote from: Roasted Swan on February 03, 2022, 11:34:00 PM
Bridge's music is rather wonderful. The only 'issue' for anyone listening to any of his work is the remarkable transformation in style and content pre and post WWI. The Sea is an early work and quite quite different from the later orchestral pieces. But of its kind, I still think it is probably the finest orchestral suite written by any British composer at that time.
I also rate 'The Sea' very highly. The RLPO recording conducted by Sir Charles Groves is my favourite version.
Quote from: Roasted Swan on February 04, 2022, 11:56:34 PM
+1 for the later Bridge quartets...... greatest British String Quartets anyone........?!
I don't know enough BSQs to compare, really. But late Bridge chamber music is pretty fabulous in my view. Chamber music is his best genre in general.
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on February 04, 2022, 06:35:38 PM
And, oddly enough, I'm coming to grips with Nos. 3 and 4 more and more. The Maggini Quartet makes them sound understandable to my ears.
It is 3 & 4 I have (Allegri SQ on Argo). I return parodically waiting for penny to drop. Perhaps a change of ensemble to the excellent Maggini will bring me into the fold. :)
I remember thinking highly of the Cello Sonata.
Quote from: vandermolen on February 04, 2022, 11:58:25 PM
I also rate 'The Sea' very highly. The RLPO recording conducted by Sir Charles Groves is my favourite version.
+1 for the Groves/Bridge disc - a clear case of first love!
Quote from: Roasted Swan on February 05, 2022, 03:29:31 AM
+1 for the Groves/Bridge disc - a clear case of first love!
Indeed! That's my all-time favourite Bridge disc.
Quote from: Roasted Swan on February 05, 2022, 03:29:31 AM
+1 for the Groves/Bridge disc - a clear case of first love!
Summer and
Enter Spring too are impossibly better performed.
Listening to the finale of Piano Trio No. 2. This is surprisingly difficult music to listen to.
(https://i.imgur.com/fY40ama.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/rhOrAwJ.jpg)