Messages

Draeseke's PC is definitely way over the top. But I find it memorable - and I just love the slow movement, epecially the gentle opening and close.

The Bendix set is truly sub-standard in its execution - both performances and recording - so caution is definitely in order for anyone intending to purchase it. However, I did actually buy the set and I agree that the music has real substance. But it's definitely a case of 'caveat emptor', lest anyone thinks that the set will give unalloyed pleasure...
In contrast, the Gernsheim set on Arte Nova is vastly superior in every respect. It's a shame - the Bendix symphonies deserved better.

The problem was that, for years, you couldn't avoid the Gorecki. Every time you turned on the radio in the car hoping for something to while away a car journey, there was this mournful, repetitive music. Dreadful. Anyway, it's not for me - but if it floats your musical boat, then far be it from me to criticise...

Hi Peter,

I'm sure we'd all to hear your thoughts on Rufinatscha in a new thread - when you have time.

The Gorecki was essentially a marketing phenomenon here in the UK: it was very successfully and almost single-handedly marketed by Classic FM. Remember, though, that this is the radio station which this morning described Beethoven's Coriolanus Overture as 'Corolliunus', or some such mispronunciation.

I agree: two must-buys from cpo. However, the Piano Quintet by Herzogenberg has already been done - on the EDA label, coupled with Brahms' Op.34.

I don't know that recording: I have Till Fellner on a very cheap Apex reissue (coupled with Schumann's Kreisleriana) which I recommend.

Reinecke No.3 had established itself as the great PC of that era - presumably until Brahms' PCs became the new standard. No.3 is the stand-out of Reinecke's four PCs - it has a breadth that is quite unlike the Mendelssohn-plus character of the other three. Of course, I like the others too.

Well, a bit like Grieg, I suppose. But not as interesting!

The symphonies (on 2 Simax CDs) are colourful, melodic and very enjoyable - just not particularly distinctive. Great fun, though - and well worth trying if you're into late-Romantic stuff with something of nationalistic feel.

Mine would be the sonatas by Reubke and Draeseke: both very avant-garde for their day. Alfred Brendel apparently has a high opinion of the Draeseke sonata - a shame he never played it in public. He left that to his pupil Claudius Tanski!

One thing's clear in the comparison between D'Avalos and La Vecchia: the former definitely has the better orchestra.

They compare very well, but, if you have the D'Avalos set, don't bother with the Naxos series. Unless you're just curious to hear more performances of this repertoire (like me)....

I'd add:
Raff Piano Quintet (Divox)
Raff Piano Quartets
Gernsheim Piano Trios (Antes)
Gernsheim Piano Quintets (recording forthcoming)
Draeseke Piano and Horn Quintet (MDG)
Fuchs Piano Quartets (Thorofon)
Taneyev Piano Quintet (DG)
Wilhelm Berger Piano Quintet (MDG)
Bargiel Piano Trios (MDG)
Noskowski Piano Quartet (Olympia)

Stunningly beautiful and memorable: Reinecke PC3.