20th Century music

[UB1]

I am a fan of Nielsen's late symphonies and Vagn Holmboe is often noted as his successors. He may have written a little too much music but I have never found anything of his that was not worth listening to.

For those who like Stravinsky I would recommend Igor Markevitch. I think it is a shame he gave up composing at a young age to concentrate on conducting.

One of my favorites from the middle years of the century is Karl Amadeus Hartmann. Most people who enjoy Mahler seem to enjoy Hartmann's symphonies. I am not a big Mahler fan but I do feel Hartmann is one of the fine symphonist of the century.

For many years Robert Simpson was in the top 5 of listening list. From 6 on for his symphonies and most of his string quartets I would highly recommend. The 3rd Symphony is quite good also.

Allan Pettersson may not have written the most up-lifting music but I have never found it as angst filled as many. I am partial to his 7th and then 10-13 but I will say his music may not be for everyone. Do not miss his vocal music. His Barefoot songs arranged for choir are plain gorgeous.

Finally to a living composer - Aulis Sallinen - his chamber music, operas, and his 5th symphony has entertained me for many hours.

More later is anyone is interested.

[Quijote]

You are much too severe a teacher for me to do that. I do have an Hons. degree in Musicology so am not completely stupid, Phil.

You are not. I have been too grumpy. Apologies.

[Bonn1827]

You are much too severe a teacher for me to do that. I do have an Hons. degree in Musicology so am not completely stupid, Phil.

[Quijote]

Well, for starters there's the number; the complexity and structure; the seemingly inexhaustible exploration of ideas; the innovative qualities. Look up the rest. BTW, I don't read liner notes on CDs, unless written by a notable musicologist or performer of stature. Dimitri isn't to everyone's taste - some call his symphonies "iron foundry music" - I just think his string quartets are wonderful, and I'm capable of thinking for myself.

So, you have given us "the starters", and rather meagre they were. What would the main dish be? Something substantial we would hope. Not to mention the dessert. Will you be serving a digéstif?

[Quijote]

Well, for starters there's the number; the complexity and structure; the seemingly inexhaustible exploration of ideas; the innovative qualities. Look up the rest. BTW, I don't read liner notes on CDs, unless written by a notable musicologist or performer of stature. Dimitri isn't to everyone's taste - some call his symphonies "iron foundry music" - I just think his string quartets are wonderful, and I'm capable of thinking for myself.

The number? A non-starter. What have numbers to do with it? The complexity and the structure? If you say so. Check out Ligeti and Ferneyhough for the same. Seemingly inexhaustible exploration of ideas? Bartok (who really knows how to exploit the strings), Ligeti (ditto to the power of 10), and Berio. Innovative qualities? What, in Shostakovitch quartets? What would those be? Do tell, and be careful, I'm a 'cellist.

You say you don't read CD liner notes : delighted to hear it. Why then do your posts strike me that way? If you think Dmitri's quartets are wonderful I'm not going to question that; enjoy. That you are capable of thinking for yourself : well done. Now show me.

[Bonn1827]

Well, for starters there's the number; the complexity and structure; the seemingly inexhaustible exploration of ideas; the innovative qualities. Look up the rest. BTW, I don't read liner notes on CDs, unless written by a notable musicologist or performer of stature. Dimitri isn't to everyone's taste - some call his symphonies "iron foundry music" - I just think his string quartets are wonderful, and I'm capable of thinking for myself.

[Quijote]

In many ways Shostakovich is the successor to Beethoven with his string quartets. You should try listening to some of these. Great recordings available from some of the world's leading string quartets. Glad you liked piano concerto (2) - it is deeply moving isn't it?

I always thought that Bartok was the successor to Beethoven in terms of string quartets, but that is my personal opinion, not something gleaned from CD liner notes or other such mediums that propagate received opinion. As to Dimitri himself, Boulez had this to say (and I have no personal opinion, I merely cite [well, paraphrase] in this instance) : a third or fourth pressing of the Mahler olive. I would be curious to know what these "many ways" are.

[Bonn1827]

I don't think we need to be limited by those few I mentioned. I've just received my CD of the complete solo piano music of Samuel Barber. Wonderful!

[Quijote]

Back to 20th century music : I have to put in a good word for Edgar Varèse. Roehre will understand. Or should.

[Quijote]

Apart from "Handel in the Strand", most of his music is just average English fare. Not in the league of Elgar, Vaughan-Williams or Britten. Of course, the greatest English composer of all was Henry Purcell, IMO. i have all his theatre works on CD, as well as some songs, anthems and other works. And there's the sublime, "Music for the Funeral of Queen Mary" - in a league of its own, yet a study in simplicity.

Average English fare? What a cheek, you Aussie convict! (Joke, in case Peter is policing this page too.) Percy Grainger? Never heard of him. Wasn't he a gardener on some BBC TV programme or other?

[Bonn1827]

OMG, yes, Ravel and Debussy are absolutely up there!! Ravel's piano trio in A Minor, in particular, is to-die-for!! Debussy's piano music is phenomenal and quite different to Ravel. They are both of the very first rank.

I'm watching Deutsch News and am horrified to see breakdancers doing a routine to a Bach Prelude from Book 1 of "The 48". Is nothing sacred???!!!

[Preston]

No Debussy or Ravel fans?

[Bonn1827]

In many ways Shostakovich is the successor to Beethoven with his string quartets. You should try listening to some of these. Great recordings available from some of the world's leading string quartets. Glad you liked piano concerto (2) - it is deeply moving isn't it?

[gprengel]

Shostakovich is an acquired taste, but some say he's the greatest symphonist and chamber composer of the 20th century, so I need to work harder on him. That beautiful 2nd movement in the piano concerto is sheer poetry though.

I checked a good number of the pieces which were recommended in this new thread. Of these only the above mentioned 2nd movement of the 2nd piano concerto from Shostakovich really moved me. I heard it in YouTube. Really a fantastic work which I didn't know yet so far. Thank you for recommending it!!
Encouraged through this I began to listen also to other movements from Shostakovich. Another great movement I found was the 3rd mov. from the 1st violin concerto (Passacalia) and the last Allegro from his 7th symphony.
But nonetheless the most of other movements I didn't like at all...

Gerd

[Bonn1827]

Apart from "Handel in the Strand", most of his music is just average English fare. Not in the league of Elgar, Vaughan-Williams or Britten. Of course, the greatest English composer of all was Henry Purcell, IMO. i have all his theatre works on CD, as well as some songs, anthems and other works. And there's the sublime, "Music for the Funeral of Queen Mary" - in a league of its own, yet a study in simplicity.