prokofiev--best melodist of 20th century?

[LovesBachandGershwin]

So I have listened to a decent share of 20th century composers by now--I mean the world of modern music is still quite vast though. Lots of Russian, Plenty of Stravinsky, Rachmaninoff, Charles Ives, Gershwin, Shosty, Scriabin, Ravel,

and I have to say, out of all the big name neoclassical/that era composers, I don't think anyone of them can outrank prokofiev as a superior melodist. He just has so many great ones.

All of the composers above have some really great melodies, but not in the amount that prokofiev. Of course it depends on what style you like your melody in. I just think he's the best composer of the 20th century. He's like the mozart of the 20th century. Gorgeous and interesting melodies, excellent and highly skilled and creative orchestration.

Please give your insight. I've listened to enough classical music to realize that it's so vast! I like to hear other opinions.

 

[methodistgirl]

There are some american composers that I think could fit into that
category. Neil Diamond for one. Ever heard his Jonathan Livingston
Seagull album, The Jazz Singer, and every time I see him perform any
where he has a full orchestra to back him up along with his band.
Carole King is another one with her Tapestry album. I know these two
are modern classics.
judy tooley

 

[Contratrombone64]

Why do you ask for input when you've already stated "I don't think anyone of them can outrank Prokofiev as a superior melodist"

 

[methodistgirl]

What a goof! I misunderstood what you were talking about.:banghead: I thought
you were talking about classic composers of the 20th century. Duh!
Sorry I goofed up as usual. I can be a little ignorant when it comes to the
classics.
judy tooly

 

[Corno Dolce]

*Prokofieff as the superior melodist*???????

My reply:

http://tommcmahon.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2007/10/03/lurch2.jpg

 

[LovesBachandGershwin]

Why do you ask for input when you've already stated "I don't think anyone of them can outrank Prokofiev as a superior melodist"

That's just my opinion. I do like to hear what other people think and their reasoning--it's interesting. My opinions are changing/evolving all the time. But for a long while this has been my opinion so I don't have a problem stating it. It's also a nice way to set a ground for people's explorations of their opinion.
Do YOU have one?!

 

[Contratrombone64]

Sure, but no one on the list you provided! My preferences are my more close to home I'm afraid: Ross Edwards, Gordon Kerry and Elna Kats-Chernin (all Australians).

 

[Kromme]

Well i do not have the slightest idea who Ross Edwards, Gordon Kerry, Elna-Kats Chernin is i did not even listen to Ives.However i would say although Prokofiev is one of the best melodists among those composers,he is easily surpassed by Rachmaninov and possibly by Richard Strauss.

You mentioned that Stravinsky created great melodies.I have to say no.I can not hear any among i listened.

What i listened so far tells me that the best composer of 20th century is Shostakovich and Richard Strauss is a very close second.

 

[zoned]

The greatest composer of the 20th century,in my humble opinion would be Shostakovich.His symphonies,especially are fantastic works that were written under much governmental strife.He was haunted by the government. But, he stood tall against the enemy and wrote music that is enjoyed by the common man.Symphonies 1,4,5,7,10,11, and 14 are utterly brilliant works.And,like Mahler,his time has come.

 

[Corno Dolce]

Hi zoned,

You are very correct about Shostakovich being the greatest 20th cent. composer.

Cheers,

CD

 

[zoned]

Hi zoned,

You are very correct about Shostakovich being the greatest 20th cent. composer.

Cheers,

CD

Hi Corno Dolce,I am happy that you concur with my estimation of Shostakovich. Unfortunately his life was a struggle,but I think his music speaks volumes about life on earth and in Russia in particular. I have been fortunate enough to witness several live performances of his works by the Detroit Symphony,which is a first-class orchestra by the way.:grin:

 

[Corno Dolce]

Imnsho Shostakovich was the 20th century Beethoven - a total genius...

 

[Kromme]

I totally agree with you guys on Shostakovich is a total genius but if we consider Mahler a twentieth century composer the battle for the title of being the greatest composer of 20th century stiffens very much.

 

[Kromme]

Also though i love Shostakovich i must admit melodically he is inferior to Prokofiev as LovesBachandGershwin claims.However dramatically and emotionally he is far superior.

 

[zoned]

I can't resist a stab at sarcasm by proclaiming Stravinsky the best melodist.In seriousness,I respect his music very highly. But, he was more analytical in his approach to tunes.He was not a very good melodist though,and I happen to think great tunesmiths are the better composer. Just my personal opinion.

 

[Kromme]

I can't resist a stab at sarcasm by proclaiming Stravinsky the best melodist.In seriousness,I respect his music very highly. But, he was more analytical in his approach to tunes.He was not a very good melodist though,and I happen to think great tunesmiths are the better composer. Just my personal opinion.

I agree with every word.He is possibly the most robustly-rythmed composer.

 

[LovesBachandGershwin]

with stravinsky yeah I guess he is not a very melodic composer. i was just trying to hit all the big composers of that era I could think of.

shostakovich is so good, but for me its like mozart-beeethoven, prokofiev-shosty, depends on your preference. maybe its just his style, but I like prokofiev's orchestration much more than shostakovich and I prefer the prokofiev melody and style. shosty is awesome, but in different ways.

Mahler-- some of his melodies are like pure ecstasy, and some of them are pretty dull for me. he's the kind of composer that for me is awesome to listen to every few months but not any more than that. His orchestration seems kind of dry. Is that just me?

edit: Rachmaninoff and strauss are fantastic melodists but it depends on what style you like your melodies.

 

[Kromme]

You know in the neo-classical way Prokofiev is the most melodic composer i have ever listened but the beauty of the melodies of romantic period is quite superior to other periods.Strauss, Rachmaninov and Mahler,all 3 was highly expressive composers,old fashioned Romantic style composers.Thus their approach simply produces sweeter melodiesin my humble opinion.

 

[Art Rock]

No mention of Puccini when it comes to 20th century melodies?

I share the much expressed opinion that Shostakovich is THE 20th century composer (Mahler is too rooted in the 19th to count in my book), but not primarily in terms of melody.

On a side mote, ref the first post, I would put forward Schubert as the melodic composer of centuries ago, rather than Mozart.

 

[Contratrombone64]

Hi zoned,

You are very correct about Shostakovich being the greatest 20th cent. composer.

Cheers,

CD

Based on what??