Mark,I know we have agreed to differ on this(
; but running down Moszkowski when we have the (RARE) joy of a whole week of programmes, with biographical info. too; AND complete performaces of the Violin and Piano Concerti into the bargain. To me Raff is not a greater composer or a "greater" composer. I find him overestimated on these forums, am afraid; though i am fond of him.. Draeseke, I DO agree with you; the "Symphonia Tragica" is deep, dark, and, possibly great/"great"(the quotation marks indicate shorthand for the usual debates on what is greatness in art.) I remember the nub of it, for you, was that Moszkowski's emotion was somewhat manufactured or synthetic(correct if i misremember:)). But we obviously disagree on what constitutes valid emotional expression in music. To me, the 2 aforementioned concerti are full of the most VALID type of emotion, heartfelt, pulls the heart strings, therefore direct; and they are taughtly constructed, beautiful works, full of memorable ideas, with the slow movement of the VC achieving what, to me (ME ONLY!) is greatness: a depth of ache, in the central section,where everything pauses for a few desolate drumbeats, and then one of the most beautiful in all music melodies(to ME, again) returns. To ME, this is greatness to outdo anything by Raff(sorry:)) and to equal, in its own, equally valid, but different to draeseke's grim emotional, way.
But, as we used to debate so endlessly, and usually with goodwill, and enjoyment, a lot is personal taste.
But u got my gander up re Moszkowski.
That the BBC is spending a week on one of the most consistently good of the unknown Romantics is marvellous; and, in the bigger than personal scale, we should CELEBRATE Moritz's special week.
Steve
p.s This could lead to a debate on what is "higher" emotion in particualar; not so much "great" art in general. I would take the position, if it moves me, it moves me.....
P.P.S I would (even!)be pleased if Raff was this week's composer
