What are you listening to now?

[prémont]

Actually by coincidence I've been listening to his Neumeister Chorales at Walterhausen.

Nice and colorful interpretations, I think, but this Trost organ also invites the organist to use its colors. Think of vol. I of Josef Sluys' Böhm CDs e.g..

[Madiel]

A fine performance, indeed. You know if it's Nielsen, I have to chime in somehow. I remember reading some people's opinion of this particular VC and some say "It's not as fine as the wind concertos" or whatever, but, for me, it's in a different world than those works and even though this is Nielsen still finding his 'footing' so to speak, people shouldn't hold this over his head. I quite like the work and have always enjoyed it.

This isn't the first time you've expressed this, but I do always find it a little amusing that you consider Nielsen to still be finding his footing 20 years into his career. I do understand why, but it's kind of funny when, by the time of the 3rd Symphony and Violin Concerto we're talking about a man in his mid-40s.

This is what you get with my increased chronological awareness...

[SonicMan46]

I've looked at that book and almost bought it.   Is it any good?

Hi SanAntone - the book was first published in 1966 (and reprinted in 1986, but not really a 2nd edition); the author is Richard L. Crocker, born in 1927 and still alive (check the link for more detail, if interested).  The book is well written w/ a LOT of detail on early music (believe the author's specialty) - there is a lot on theory, musical evolution, sheet music examples, etc. - I scanned this material quickly (really hard for me to understand - not my training or inherent aural skills); concentrates on the major composers of their times, again well done - I have the paperback and the printing is small and not easy to read; I'm looking at the book on my iPad (a very easy read and a cheaper Kindle option).  The book is highly rated on Amazon (except for a 2* commenter who probably was overwhelmed by the musical detail and theory) - I would likely do a 4* rating w/ the reservation that some knowledge of music annotation and theory would help.  Dave

[SymphonicAddict]

l'An mil was composed in 1897. It is a big work (ca 35 mins.), a symphonic poem with large chorus and (a brief) baritone solo in part 2.

Very detailed program:

Miserere mei - the people's fear for the year 1000. Will Satan appear?
Fête des fous et de l'âne - a parody / blasphemy of a religious service. "...those who took the threats of the Apocalyps as purely symbolic, celebrated the Feast of fools and the ass..."
Te Deum laudamus...:the reassured crowds kneel in prayer. The Te Deum bursts forth in the surprise of the unhoped  -for dawn.

Very nice - the first and last movements are very lyrical, Franckiste, aiming for the grandiose. The second movement is mostly fast, almost good humoured - made me even think of Honegger's Jeanne d'Arc ( the proces scene).
This could appeal, I guess, to those who love Franck, ofcourse, Gounod, Massenet,or even Debussy's Sébastien . Elgar?


Very rare, unusual & interesting:

http://www.atelierlyriquedetourcoing.fr/17_18/spect1718/paradisperdu.html


24/11 and 26/11/17

Atelier Lyrique de Tourcoing: a recreation of Théodore Dubois' (1837-1924) oratorio "Paradis perdu", after Milton.
Dans l'instrumentation originale d'après le manuscrit autographe de Théodore Dubois
Drame-oratorio en quatre parties créé en 1878
Livret d'Edouard Blau d'après le poème de John Milton

Direction musicale, Jean Claude Malgoire
Conception visuelle et scénographie, Jacky Lautem

Ève - Magali Simard-Galdès, soprano
Adam - Antonio Figueroa, ténor
Satan - Marc Boucher, baryton
L'Archange - Mireille Lebel, mezzo-soprano
Uriel, le fils - Denis Mignien, ténor
Molock - Philippe Favette
Belial - Kamil Ben Hsain Lachiri

Choeur de chambre de Namur
Préparation du choeur, Thibaut Lienaerts

La Grande Écurie et la Chambre du Roy

Nice choice! I played this work some weeks ago, and it left me a pleasant impression. I think I'll be listening to it again soon.

[SonicMan46]

Nice, Sonic! 

This is also a very fine Dufay recording:

 

Note please, this is volume two, which is superior imo, to volume one.  The instrumental accompaniment is far more discreet here, than on volume one.

Edit:  I find that Van Nevel recording to be really excellent. One of his best.

Hi HIPster - I own about a half dozen CDs of Dufay, including the one added above (Motets, V. 1 w/ Quadrivium) - assume that is what you mean above - will take a look at V. 2 and also need to re-listen to the one I already own - thanks.  Dave

ADDENDUM: I just ordered the CD recommended in your post!

[SonicMan46]

Continuing my listening this afternoon to Renaissance Music, especially the masses based on the Cantus Firmus melody L'homme armé - this apparently was a popular 'song' of the times and was used in about 40 masses from my reading:

   

[San Antone]

Hi SanAntone - the book was first published in 1966 (and reprinted in 1986, but not really a 2nd edition); the author is Richard L. Crocker, born in 1927 and still alive (check the link for more detail, if interested).  The book is well written w/ a LOT of detail on early music (believe the author's specialty) - there is a lot on theory, musical evolution, sheet music examples, etc. - I scanned this material quickly (really hard for me to understand - not my training or inherent aural skills); concentrates on the major composers of their times, again well done - I have the paperback and the printing is small and not easy to read; I'm looking at the book on my iPad (a very easy read and a cheaper Kindle option).  The book is highly rated on Amazon (except for a 2* commenter who probably was overwhelmed by the musical detail and theory) - I would likely do a 4* rating w/ the reservation that some knowledge of music annotation and theory would help.  Dave

Thanks.  If he is a early music specialist, then I am very interested. 

[Wakefield]

Interesting because my reaction to Marcon's Bach is quite similar to yours. Johanssen however I find more rewarding, even if his style is somewhat restrained. Try the triosonatas and the CD: Der junge Bach played on the Schnitger organ in Cappel.

Actually, I enjoy Johanssen's disk of trio sonatas as one of my very favorites... 

[HIPster]

Actually, I enjoy Johanssen's disk of trio sonatas as one of my very favorites... 

Hi Gordo!

Nice to see you posting.  Cheers! 

[Wakefield]

Brahms: Symphonies Nos 1 & 2, Tragic Overture, Variations on a Theme of Haydn
LSO
Gergiev



Lovely first disk, engagingly energetic and impassioned. 

[Wakefield]

Hi Gordo!

Nice to see you posting.  Cheers! 

Hi, Dave!

Yes, it's an unusual activity these days! 

[Que]

Actually, I enjoy Johanssen's disk of trio sonatas as one of my very favorites... 

+1  Good to see you again.....

Q

[Parsifal]

Actually, I enjoy Johanssen's disk of trio sonatas as one of my very favorites... 

I also enjoy that disc a great deal. When I mentioned it in the old days a got a thorough dressing down from bulldog. A shame he doesn't frequent these parts lately.

[prémont]

Actually, I enjoy Johanssen's disk of trio sonatas as one of my very favorites... 

With around 50 versions on my shelves (excluding arrangements for chamber ensemble) I find it increasingly difficult to assess which ones are my favorites, but I would roughly put him in the upper third.

Long time since your last visit Gordo, welcome bach. 

[Mirror Image]

Like faulting L'oiseau de feu for not being Petrushka!

Indeed!

[Mirror Image]

(Yeah, Autumn is awesome!)

I can't stand Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture, but this doesn't mean I don't like the composer. The most popular works aren't always the best ones unless we're talking about Holst's The Planets.

[Mirror Image]

Thunderbolt P-47, H 309:

[Todd]

Post-gluttony listening.  Disc two, Opp 49, 7, 10/1 & 10/2.

[Mirror Image]

Scythian Suite, Op. 20
Alexander Nevsky, Op. 78

[You did it]

Varese - Ameriques