The Classical Music Guide Forums

Febnyc

"But why would you want to even try to emulate the orchestral sound of Rach's Symphonic Dances on the piano? What's the point? The orchestration is superb and the performances frequent. It is well represented on recordings." But composers very reguarly did transcriptions - Beethoven, Brahms, Dvorak...

Febnyc

Rach3 wrote: ↑
Sun Feb 04, 2024 1:50 pm
Conducting “Nimrod” as an encore at 1992 Proms,video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qW6B15gURu0

Elegance personified. Awesome video, thanks.

Febnyc

Thanks again, Febnyc ! I'm flattered that you so enthusiastically picked up these works by Pizzetti. There are so many composers, like him, whose music languishes in the shadows of the front-line masterpieces but, nevertheless, have so much to offer us. From time to time, as I listen each day (I ha...

Febnyc

You dig up some really interesting material. I did a research to see what I have of Pizzetti on CD ... nothing on major labels but found four listings of his music performed by Elmar Oliveirea (violin sonata), something performed by conductors Cantelli and/or Ghedini (live/NYP), songs sung by Angel...

Febnyc

You are a prince! Thank you for finding that. I do have it, had it since 2010, purchased as a used copy for $2! Couldn't locate it because of the way I spelled Elegiaque ... spelled it Elegiac. Will alter my spelling on that. I also spell Rachmaninoff with the two ff ending instead of the English w...

Febnyc

Lance wrote: ↑
Sat Feb 03, 2024 1:48 am
Can you fill me in on the transcriptions of Trio Elegiaque and Corelli Variations - labels/catalogue number. My "manifesting" manner doesn't bring those up like I thought I'd see them!

Lance: Both of those transcriptions are on Chandos 9261.

Febnyc

Lance - of course there is a two-piano version of the "Dances" - and the Ashkenazy/Previn performance is terrific. Now - This is somewhat off topic, and apologies for that. But the discussion brings to mind a piano and orchestra version of Rachmaninoff's Second Symphony . It's an arrangement by Alex...

Febnyc

Awesome, powerful opera. Saw it once at the Met - many moons ago - and never will forget that performance.

Febnyc

I have a number of CDs of the music of Ildebrando Pizzetti (1880-1968). He wrote some beautiful late-romantic works, including about 20 operas - however remaining quite conservative in an age of change. Of all my recordings, I think this disc is the oddest, but in a way the most intelligent coupling...

Febnyc

This is one I never got but should have. Hungaroton is a very interesting label. Can you highlight who some of the best-known singers are on this set? Not sure if it is still available but still might seek it. Thanks! 50 years of Hungaroton Singers 1951-2001 https://towerrecords.com/cdn/shop/produc...

Febnyc

No, this won't fly. I provide articles, podcasts, facts and comment and in return I get low resolution epithets and abuse. It's the complete unwillingness of lefties to engage any other viewpoint than their own talking points/ideology, such as is now the case in most of the institutions. That's why...

Febnyc

One of the two Mahler Firsts on my shelves. (The other is Solti/CSO).

Febnyc

I often visit a couple of other sites which support serious discussions about classical music. Both appear to be quite well-supported by actual members of their forums. One of them has almost 3,000 members, with 170 on line as I sit here and type this post. And the other, due to its singular emphasi...

Febnyc

From Berkshire Music Outlet, a great source for CDs: Raykhelson, Igor [b.1961]: Piano and Chamber Music, Volume 2 Berry, Charles Roland [b.1957]: Orchestral Music, Volume 1 Alexandersson, Helmer [1886-1927]: Orchestral Works Callaerts / Ryelandt: Late Romantic Piano Trios from Flanders Benejam, Llui...

Febnyc

Rach3 wrote: ↑
Fri Jan 26, 2024 1:30 pm

barney wrote: ↑
Fri Jan 26, 2024 1:09 pm

Which performances do people recommend?
Andre Watts, solo piano version, my lp here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8jyMlf7PLw

Febnyc

I just listen to RinB as music, without the political overtones because I'm not American. I'm not sure if that makes me better or worse off. It's great fun to listen to. Which performances do people recommend? Amen to that. Of the three recordings I own (Lance probably has 122!) I would choose the ...

Febnyc

Like Porgy and Bess, Rhapsody in Blue was (and remains) decent Broadway show material that got tagged and relentlessly promoted as classical. Inflation like that does nothing good for listeners, players, the music, or the composer's and composition's status in the overall scheme of musical things. ...

Febnyc

What drivel. I laughed all the way through. I'm sorry if this 50-year old is "jaded" (and he assumes there are other "jaded types" too - how he knows this is a mystery). I wonder if Mr. Iverson, whoever he is, dreams of composing a work which, after 100 years, is still so ubiquitous that some critic...

Febnyc

lennygoran wrote: ↑
Fri Jan 19, 2024 10:42 am

Febnyc wrote: ↑
Thu Jan 18, 2024 6:22 pm
He stopped, turned and flashed that impish grin - and returned my greeting. We spoke for about 10 minutes and he could not have been more engaging and generous.

Frank what a great experience you had! Regards, Len

Len - it's one of my most endearing memories. Thanks.

Febnyc

We only saw him once live-think it was Carnegie Hall Len: I'm surprised that you've never seen the P. D. Q. Bach opera Professor Schickele unearthed - I think he found it in the East River - called "The Abduction of Figaro." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rO-W1AESUno&list=PLvahm8NzJcpcp8zQ9ttcelLM...

Febnyc

I was so saddened to learn of his passing. The obituary was the first one I've ever read which, besides the sorrow, actually made me laugh. I saw almost every one of his Carnegie Hall performances - and remember fondly being a part of the "cult" audience there. It's still a vivid memory of Dr. Schic...

Febnyc

I listened to the Naxos Zádor CD due to the inclusion of "A Christmas Overture." I listened carefully to determine what made the work "Christmasy," but couldn't figure it out. I seemed to be entranced with the 1943 "Biblical Tryptych," which I thought most interesting. I probably will use "A Christ...

Febnyc

I've been impressed.

I have a CD of Ms. Alsop conducting the LPO in one of the finest performances I know of Brahms' Third Symphony.

And many other recordings...

Febnyc

Lance wrote: ↑
Thu Jan 11, 2024 1:11 am
The Naxos disc arrived yesterday. I will be auditioning it soon if not sooner! I may include "A Christmas Overture" on next year's Christmas music radio broadcast.

Excellent, Lance! I hope you find it worthwhile.

Febnyc

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71opZ6YocKL._SL1400_.jpg When she was 17 years old, Hilary Hahn released her debut recording, consisting of two of the Bach Partitas and one Sonata for solo violin. This album, which included a gorgeous rendition of the Chaconne , received well-deserved praise. T...

Febnyc

Some lesser-known chamber works of Mendelssohn. They're so beautiful - and each one features a brilliant scherzo movement, typical mastery of these pieces from a very young composer.

Febnyc

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61CC6DIxXtL._SX425_.jpg From Amazon. They say it better than I could: Grammy-Award-winning Kenneth Fuchs (born 1956) is without doubt one of American music's leading orchestral composers. His orchestral output has grown and developed to encompass a wide range of ...

Febnyc

Holocaust Requiem (1994-1995) is written for orchestra and solo viola, and runs to 50 minutes... It's powerful. Indeed powerful, all the more so for its clarity and restraint. My first hearing of the work and composer. Thank you.This will be a re-hear. At YT as well: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v...

Febnyc

maestrob wrote: ↑
Tue Jan 02, 2024 1:32 pm

A compelling work for sure. Composer unknown to me before now. Many thanks. The Poem of Dawn is an exquisite work and a welcome relief after the Requiem.

Relief, indeed.

Glad you listened to and appreciated this music.

Febnyc

Thanks,my first hearing of him. While probably a one-hear for me, I did enjoy and find interesting his "Biblical Triptych" , especially "Paul." I went on to hear his brief "Rhapsody for Orchestra" , well worth the hearing, more "successful" to my ear. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DeLd_ShWb0 Tha...

Febnyc

Interesting you bring up this CD on Eugene Zador. I know not his work at all. Whenever I see a recording with unknown Christmas music, I usually get it with thoughts to broadcasting Christmas music during the season. I missed this one. Can you advise on the style or quality of music in these pieces...

Febnyc

Eugene Zador (1894-1977) should be much better known. His "serious" music is extremely accessible - late-romantic in style and quite evocative. And after he emigrated to the U. S. in 1939 he composed many movie scores for MGM (most of them anonymously) while orchestrating for other composers. Zador ...

Febnyc

[...] My favorite among the latter is run by chef Daniel Boulud, called Le Pavillon, where a meal for two can run $700 easily . Maestro - you know, once a year or so it's worth the price. Are you old enough (I am) to remember the original Le Pavillion , under Henri Soulé - who also was running La G...

Febnyc

Sight unseen (or hearing unheard?) I came to this CD having known only a couple of short clips. It turned out to be a find - and a disc containing two of the most contrasting works I've come across. Boris Pigovat (b.1953) was born in Russia and relocated to Israel in his 40s. Holocaust Requiem (1994...

Febnyc

https://i.discogs.com/JtzMJmgmOyjkm2HNb8918fu83RknoIXSsb-EkzbdiV8/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:581/w:600/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTEwODAw/NzIwLTE2ODAzNDc3/ODYtNjg3NS5qcGVn.jpeg Coincidentally, on my daily walk yesterday, I listened to the Mendelssohn piano trios played by another all-star g...

Febnyc

Gosh! Memories - I haven't been to Gallagher's in eons. It was a go-to spot to entertain visiting firemen when I was working; a nice break after retirement when I was living in Manhattan. Also - Ben Benson's - more or less in the same neighborhood- but gone with the wind. As are La Côte Basque, The ...

Febnyc

Len- An insane film, directed by a madman and starring another lunatic.

However - I found it frighteningly addictive. Over the top and almost ridiculous. What is the attraction?

Febnyc

Watched "Maestro" last night via Netflix - on a pretty large-screen TV. The two hours sped by as I was mesmerized by Bradley Cooper's portrayal. He became Bernstein. And I agree with the previous comment about Carrie Mulligan's turn as Felicia Montealegre. Although there will be lots of competition ...

Febnyc

Hard to believe this CD was recorded 41 years ago. I've enjoyed it since 1982. The best versions of the Mendelssohn Piano Trios I've come across in all that time. https://i.discogs.com/JtzMJmgmOyjkm2HNb8918fu83RknoIXSsb-EkzbdiV8/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:581/w:600/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9S...

Febnyc

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41n94W28DbL.jpg The piano wizard Earl Wild plays a Fantasy on Porgy and Bess, a Theme and Variations on "Someone to Watch Over Me," and Seven Virtuoso Etudes based on Gershwin songs. I have many outstanding piano CDs, but this is one of my favorites. An Amazon re...

Febnyc

An interesting,25 minute analysis of Rachmaninoff's 4th PC; recommended for pianopihiles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDo1aM0jy6g This is so good. Many thanks. Short story: For the last 17 years of his life, Rachmaninoff lived in NYC just five blocks from my erstwhile place in Manhattan. (NB: I...

Febnyc

maestrob wrote: ↑
Fri Dec 15, 2023 10:54 am
Hear, hear!

Mahler's Second symphony will be performed by the New York Philharmonic in David Geffen Hall in a series of farewell concerts with Jaap van Zweden conducting in June of 2024. We will be attending one of those concerts.

As will we. Thanks.

Febnyc

Leonard Bernstein & the Musicians Against Nuclear Arms Orchestra - Mahler Symphony No. 2. Jesse Norman & Barbara Hendricks Washington National Cathedral 1984 RSI b'cst. Those fearsome doubts that Mahler was asking a century ago about Man's fate are greatly more menacing today--on a global scale. An...

Febnyc

Symphony No. 3 of Guy Ropartz (1864-1955). More or less languid throughout (with some interstices of "animé), but with lots of strength. The choral finale simply is beautiful - not with the awesome emotion of, say, the Mahler 2nd, but in a more subtle way - with the voices intertwined with the orche...

Febnyc

Belle wrote: ↑
Mon Dec 11, 2023 4:33 pm
What is your preferred "Lieder Ohne Worte"? They're not all even pieces, to be sure, but some of these are very lovely indeed. I loved playing Mendelssohn back when I was a piano student.

I have long enjoyed this one:

Febnyc

Carly Simon (recorded 1990) - great singer, classic songs, brilliant acoustics.

(She's 80 years old - gosh!)

Febnyc

The tension in the music seemed to match the tension of driving this mess, but I'll tell you, the moment the symphony ended, the very minute, the traffic suddenly cleared up and I was able to drive at a normal speed, change lanes, and get off at the right exit. The music is that powerful. https://w...

Febnyc

Febnyc recommended starting with the 7th Symphony, so here it is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PB5D9cLSiZs Thanks for referring to my recommendation for the Seventh. This version I think is awfully slow. Maybe the tempo enhances the "song of the soul" that Pettersson often, and mostly in this wor...

Febnyc

Lance - thanks for featuring the music of Joseph Ryelandt, a composer who I very much admire. He certainly flies beneath most radars, although there are a few labels which have recorded his works. Etcetera has an additional chamber disc - KTC1655 - with a few sonatas for winds. In addition, Toccata ...

Febnyc

He gives me a sense that he's taking me on a long journey, but he winds up just driving around and around the same block. Excellent analogy. And although I have all Pettersson's symphonies it would take me a long time to make it through the cycle. I'd often need to get out of the car for relief - m...

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