Messages

Hi Alistair

You clearly know and love your Sorabji. I can therefore fully appreciate your comments regarding best versions, best recordings etc. I know only too well that there can be a huge difference in the interpretation of a work and I have in my own collection of multiple versions of symphonies, concertos, string quartets etc. where I have a distinct preference for a particular version! That said, I felt that you did not seem to rate very highly Michael Habermann's efforts at interpreting Sorabji On the liner notes accompanying the 3 cds, it states that Habermann, albeit on only one occasion, actually performed some of the Sorabji works in the presence of Sorabji himself. And Sorabji declared himself very well pleased with Habermann's efforts! If that is indeed the case, I can't imagine that Habermann's interpretation could be considered "poor", even allowing for subjectivity! That said, I myself was unable to get into Sorabji's music. I know not everyone would agree, but I found the journey long, I was not sure where I was going and was just relieved to get to the end! I guess Sorabji is simply not my cup of tea but I do appreciate that many people love his music. To be as openminded as I can, I will perhaps come back to his music later on and see if I still feel the same way.
Cheers
Dennis

Hello Christopher

As a great admirer of Khrennikov, I was intrigued by your question re- Cello concerto no 2. Sadly, I have neither of the cello concertos. Having started this thread however, I felt I should do some further research. As you know, his 3 symphonies, 3 PCs and VC are all relatively easy to find (I have them all). That said, there does not seem to be any cd recording of either cello concerto. I discovered however that Rostopovitch (surprise, surprise!) did in fact record at least one of the concertos on LP - I think in 1964. If you were absolutely hell bent on getting a recording, the LP is still available in the US. I found a couple of obscure(?) rare LP suppliers in the US who still offer the LP. You can find them on the web quite easily by typing in Khrennikov cello concerto. Sorry I can't be of more help but hope this info is useful. P.S. I too would like a copy of his cello concerto but I cannot abide the crackling/static on all those old LPs!
Cheers
Dennis

I received my copy of Borgstrom's VC last week and have listened to it a couple of times. I fully endorse Alan's opinion of the work, when he says there are passages of extraordinary beauty in the concerto. I will be returning to this cd quite often!
Cheers
Dennis

As a result of members of the forum referring to Sorabji and momumental symphonies, I listened to audio samples of some of his works and subsequently bought the 3 cd set "legendary piano works", essentially for "Le jardin parfumé" et "Gulistan". Listening however to both pieces, I quickly came to the conclusion that "quantity" definitely does not equate with"quality"! I could not detect, to my relatively untried ear, neither shape, line or melody in either work. I was left with the overwhelming feeling that here was somebody "randomly tinkling the ivories"! I was incredibly bored, in spite of trying to give the music every chance. On this evidence, there is no way I could endure listening to his symphonies, lasting hours!!!

Cheers
Dennis

I recently came across the above-mentioned Hungarian composer by chance. I listened to sound samples on Amazon and liked what I heard, especially the use he makes of the harp in some of his works. I followed up by researching the net for more info on Lajtha. Of his 9 symphonies, it seems that symphonies 4 and 6 are the most accessible: playful, happy, pastoral music. It would seem that symphonies 8 + 9 are generally considered his greatest but I noted that according to critics his later works are marked by some dissonance? The sound bites do not really illustrate this. I am considering buying some of the cds available but wonder if any members of the forum are familiar with Lajtha's music and what views do they hold - which symphonies are the best? is there much dissonance in symphonies 8 + 9 etc. Your views would be most welcome.

cheers
Dennis

Another suggestion - Gosta Nystrom "Sinfonia Del Mare" - very interesting work, repays several listens!

Dennis

Another suggestion - Eimar Englund symphony no 2 "The Blackbird" - very enjoyable!

Cheers
Dennis

Hi. I last week received the Marco Polo re-released on the Naxos label of Greef's 2 PCs (Devreese), acting on recommendations by members of the forum. Another of the cds on my wish list (the list is long!!!). I was not disappointed. Greef's music is very enjoyable to listen to and  I will be looking  out for other works by this composer.

Dennis

Hi

My list of wanted cds is rather long and sometimes I have to wait before ordering a cd I want. The De Frumerie Sterling cd is such a case - VC, CC and Symphonic Variations. I received it last week and have since listened to it a couple of times. I quite liked the CC but prefered the VC. I was also quite taken with the Symphonic Variations. Overall, a lovely cd. I am sure I will listen to it regularly. thank you for alerting me to it.

Dennis

Hi
for anyone who likes Amirov like myself, you might like to know that on the Brilliant classics label, Historical Russian Archives Alexander Gauk Vol 2 (10 cd box set, very reasonably priced), there is an absolutely delightful work by Amirov on cd 8 - Symphonic Suite : very tuneful, still combining a bit of the east in a western structure, 15 minutes of great fun. I haven't yet had time to listen to all 10 cds in the collection, but there are  certainly a number of other interesting works as well. Sound bites can be heard on Jpc.de

Dennis

Hello Thal, Chill 319, Syrelius and John

Many thanks for all the suggestions. I followed up on each one. The Atterberg, Arensky and Balakirev I already had. The David and Biarent are on my list of "To buy". I have not as yet found the Kraus and Wilson Keppel but am still looking. It's not easy easy finding works with just the right amount of arabian flavour which particularly appeals to me, so I do appreciate other members' recommendations. Thank you. If there are other suggestions, please keep them coming.
Cheers
Dennis

I have long been an admirer of Western music, given extra appeal by the addition of some Arabian colour. Most composers have at some time or other composed a Suite, which includes the almost obligatory "Danse Orientale". The Russians are, in particular, especially fond of doing this and there are many examples, a good example being Glazounov's Suite charactérisque - Danse Orientale. As such, I have for a long time been on the look out for such music, not just by "sung" composers but also "unsung" composers. On occasion, I have discovered music by "sung" composers, which is far less known than other far more popular works. I wonder therefore if other members of the forum share my passion and would like to mention  those western/arabian works they particularly enjoy. By works, I mean examples of Western/Arabian music of a reasonable length, not just a "Danse orientale". My list includes works by Rimsky-Korsakov (Sheherazade of course), Khatchaturian and Glière but I particularly like the following : -

Glière Overture to the opera Shakh-Senem
Rabaud Marouf - cobbler of Cairo
Nielsen Suite from Aladdin
Ippolitov-Ivanov suite no 2 "Iveria"
Amirov symphonic mugams + Arabian Nights
Hovhannessian Marmar
Hovhaness any music from his Armenian period
Rimsky-Korsakov Sheherazade
Saint-Saens Bacchanale from Sampson and Delilah 

Interestingly, a lot of the exotic/arabian music comes from the world of ballet.

Do other members know of works that fill the above bill?

Cheers
Dennis

Spent yesterday morning listening to the new Gaubert cd and also D'Indy symphonies 1 + 2 - a most enjoyable way to spend a Sunday morning! I would like to re-endorse other members view of the new cd. The music is sumptuous, very lyrical and appealing. I hadn't listened to French music in quite some time (apart from a little Franck - his Quintett) and had forgotten how cool (not cold) and elegant French music is! The symphony is lovely as indeed are all three works on the cd. I particularly like the third work on the cd, the Concert in F and especially the second movement. The melody is strangely familiar(?) and is lyrically very expressive and memorable! A great cd!
cheers
Dennis

Hi jimmosk

Funny you should mention Kara Karayev. At the same time as the Amirov, Naxos released Karayev's Symphony no 3 (plus  Leyla and Mejnun and Don Quixote - the first time according to Naxos these 3 works have appeared on cd!). I bought it on a whim, thinking I would probably like it. I was not disappointed! A pupil of Shostokovich (yet another of my favourite composers), Karayev's symphony in particular reflects his teacher's influences, especially the motor rthymes of the first movement, later revisited in the closing movement. An exciting piece of music, not as exotic as Amirov, even though Karayev also picks up on Azerbaijani folk elements. If you like Shostokovich, you will also like Karayev's symphony no 3!

Cheers
Dennis

I noticed whilst reading the thread on Holbrooke that reference was made to Rachmaninov's The Bells, both works being based on Edgar Allan Poe's The Bells. I am not familiar with Holbrooke's works (at least not yet) but I can't help not making a reference to Rachmaninov's take on the Poe. That no-one made any comment on another of my Russian favourite composers(!!!) seemed a little surprising. Rachmaninov is certainly not "unsung" but I wonder how well known the Bells is? That said, I can't imagine that the piece is NOT well known. I for one simply love the work, virtually a choral symphony! I love Russian music and I love the sound of bells incorporated into classical music! No, ... I am not Russian (!), bearing in mind that Russians are almost fanatical about the use of bells, in all their different guises, in their music. Rachmaninov's work, in 4 movements, is very skillfully constructed. The opening movement depicts silver sleighbells and is a joyous piece of music for tenor and orchestra. Mellow wedding bells toll in the second movement (soprano, chorus and orchestra) and the third movement portrays alarm bells. The finale is very impressive and portrays funeral bells - very solemn but very, very impressive and ultimately very moving (baritone and orchestra). Whenever I am in the mood to listen to a choral work (symphony), the Rachmaninov is one of the works I choose. Marvelous music!
Cheers
Dennis