What are you listening 2 now?

[Iota]

Interesting comments, Iota. I must admit that Structures, and particularly Book 1, is the Boulez composition I listen to less often. I should revisit it soon....

Yes, I can relate to that, ritter. When I do listen, the  one I err towards depends on mood, with Book 1 feeling to me a bit more implacable/confrontational, and Book 2 a touch more urbane. Though both certainly with radical DNA in their blood.

The wonder is that you can be fascinated without a recognizable motive and only be absorbed in structured sounds that do not indicate directions so that you are constantly in the moment.   

I must say that such 'in the moment' music can very often appeal to me, perhaps partly, or even largely for that very reason. 

[VonStupp]

It's often said that Rutter's Requiem owes a lot to Fauré, and I suppose it does have a certain affinity, but it sounds quintessentially English to me, as does the rest of the music on this excellent disc frm the Choir of Clare College, Cambridge.

Agreed. They seem to share more in spirit and temperament than in musical language. Perhaps this is tied to Rutter's research and completing a revised edition of Fauré's Requiem around the same time that always seems to link the two.

Oddly, Rutter's Requiem seems to be garnished with leaves on recording covers too. Hmm... 

VS

[ritter]

First listen to this new arrival:

[Todd]

Second listen, through the main system.  The main advantage is the dynamic range, which is spectacular, if not real world piano good.  One also hears some vocalizing here and there.  Phenomenal overall.  Eighty-three minutes flies by.

[André]

Nice!

For me an excellent recording of Beethoven's 7th and 8th.  It has that Scherchen bracing momentum.  Also odd that we're dealing one of the few recordings that live up to the vague label of "quasi-HIP" because there are period instruments and modern, some period practice and modern all melded together.  Anyway I loved it.

De Vriend's is my favourite set of LvB symphonies - except I didn't hear the 9th. This 7th in particular rocks splendidly.

[André]

All great singers have in their vocal personality some mannerisms that can grow a bit annoying, and Caballé was no exception. But I'll be damned if I ever heard singing so beautiful. It's simply surreal.

[Dry Brett Kavanaugh]

Paul Dukas, various. Antonio de Almeida/Czech PO.

[Mirror Image]

This entire disc:

[foxandpeng]

Einojuhani Rautavaara
Vigilia
Nils Schweckendiek
Helsinki Chamber Choir
BIS

Although not a fan of a great deal of choral music, I do occasionally benefit from some sacred scores. This is excellent.

[Linz]

Cd1 of this 14cd set of Klaus Tennstedt Beethoven Symphon no.3 and three overtures

[VonStupp]

Sergei Prokofiev
Symphony 2 in d minor, op. 40
Symphony 3 in c minor, op. 44

For this afternoon:

VS

Brutal sounding symphonies to my ears.

Now on to:

Sergei Prokofiev
Symphony 4 in C Major, op. 47
Symphony 4, op. 112

Scottish National Orchestra
Neeme Järvi

[Mapman]

Brutal sounding symphonies to my ears.

Now on to:

Sergei Prokofiev
Symphony 4 in C Major, op. 47
Symphony 4, op. 112

The Prokofiev symphonies that I have enjoyed the most are 1, 5, and 7.

I just listened to this with my girlfriend:
Ravel: Piano Concerto for the Left Hand
Fleisher; Ozawa: Boston Symphony Orchestra

[Linz]

Bach Contatas Gardiner

[Mirror Image]

More Bloch:

[Symphonic Addict]

I love that McEwen score, together with 'Grey Galloway' and the 'Solway Symphony' it is my favourite work by him - a bit like a Scottish 'Egdon Heath'. I'm a great fan of Lilbutn but prefer the first two symphonies. Anyway, great choices Cesar!

A 'Scottish Egdon Heath' sounds apt to me, Jeffrey. I also have great affinity for McEwen's string quartets.

[Symphonic Addict]

Actually, this is excellent music. I loved it. Kyle, Cesar, Greg, even John(MI) give it a try --- it' on Spotify and I'm very glad I stumbled upon it.

Duly noted. Thanks!

[Symphonic Addict]

Borodin: Symphony No. 1

I have to remind myself often that this is a remarkable symphony. I hadn't paid attention to a motif in the 4th movement used by Rimsky-Korsakov when composed his Russian Festival Overture. Or perhaps it is a good coincidence. Anyway, a fine work.





Schuman: Symphony No. 8

A haunting, thought-provoking work. Not for nothing Schuman is my favorite American symphonist.

[bhodges]

Just heard a terrific Shostakovich Tenth Symphony with the Peabody Symphony Orchestra (from Baltimore), conducted by Joseph Young. Inspiring to see a student orchestra tackle this piece, and do it so well. New to me, Young did a great job, leading the musicians with cool aplomb, and you could tell that at least some of them were having a blast.

The concert opened with Hellion Binge of Joy, a premiere by Oscar Bettison, the chair of Peabody's composition department. Very short, well worth hearing, and I look forward to a re-listen.

The livestream will be available soon as an archive -- one of the silver linings of the pandemic.

--Bruce

[Mirror Image]

Schuman: Symphony No. 8

A haunting, thought-provoking work. Not for nothing Schuman is my favorite American symphonist.

Your absolute favorite American symphonist? I have many, but it always comes back to Ives for me. There's nothing quite like him.

[Mirror Image]

NP:

Ben-Haim
String Quartet No. 1, Op. 21
Carmel Quartet