What classical music did you listen to today?

[Dorsetmike]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FeUVdr_epy4

I find this piece quite moving, and, having sung counter tenor myself for many years in my younger days, I very much appreciate David Daniels voice.

 

[ForAlMighty]

Beethoven Sonatas No.11,12,21 by Pollini, my favorite pianist.

 

[Dorsetmike]

Following counter tenors through Youtube I found Phillipe Jaroussky, now added to my last.fm library. More of a soprano range than alto.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxOft65o3Qs

 

[Mat]

L. van Beethoven - Symphony no.2 in D major

 

[Mat]

Witold Lutosławski - Concerto for Orchestra

 

[Contratrombone64]

Mat - I do adore the Lutoslawski

 

[Mat]

Well, I can't say that I do as I'm not really familiar with his music. But it's not the first Polish composer you adore, is it? Chopin springs to my mind as the other one.

I was listening to this Concerto because I'd been trying to find and portray Polish folklore influence in this particular piece. And I do have to say I was very positively surprised. Let's just say it doesn't sound as "contemporarily" as I thought it would.

 

[Contratrombone64]

I have a fondness for several Polish compoers, one in particular was a lady by the name of Grazina Bacewicz (my spelling is errant). She wrote a very beautiful viola concerto which I studied MANY years ago. She also wrote some beautiful music for string orchestra and quartet.

 

[Mat]

You were pretty close - the correct spelling is Grażyna Bacewicz.

 

[Dorsetmike]

One piece by a contemporary Polish composer that has caught my ear is the Lacrimosa from Priesner's "Requiem for my Friend", particularly when sung by Elzbieta Towarnicka, I did hear a version sung by a "big name" soprano, (I think of oriental origin) which I thought dreadful, mainly poor diction and the quality of her high notes.

 

[Contratrombone64]

The only Polish composer I really NEVER want to hear again is Gorecki (especially that tedious and boring symphony of sorrowful thongs).

 

[Chi_townPhilly]

Today's selection was the 'hybrid' (Dresden & Paris version elements present) Tannhäuser - Wolfgang Sawallisch conducting at Bayreuth. Two points- 1) Anja Silja (as Elizabeth) is very fine. 2) I still think "Tannhäuser" is the most accessible of the 'canonical' Wagner operas!:smirk:

 

[Contratrombone64]

Listening to Mahler's 6th Symphony ... ah, one rare composer who knew brevity ...

 

[marval]

Listening at the moment to "Girl with flaxen hair" by Richard Stoltzman

 

[mariokbee]

Stunningly beautiful composition by Smetana, Moldau

 

[Dorsetmike]

Buxtehude organ works on last.fm

 

[Hawk Henries]

Charles Avison-violin concerti...

 

[Contratrombone64]

Hawk, I've not heard of Charles Avison, I must snuffle them out. I heard a rarely performed Swedish violin concerto on Monday morning, Atterberg was the composer, from memory.

Anyhoooo I'm currently listening to Vierne's 5th Symphony with my volume up quite loud. Must be irking my neighbours: "Bah" I say to them.

 

[Hawk Henries]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xYnxNEApT4&feature=related

David here's a little taste. This is from his 12 concertos after D. Scarlatti's harpsichord sonata.
If you like it there is a recording by Cafe' Zimmerman which is superb!!!

 

[Contratrombone64]

Hawk - absolutely lovely and charming (like you I'm sure). David