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Messages - semloh

#61
Yes, and an Ooh-arr! from me, too. I'm really looking forward to hearing this.
#62
Composers & Music / Re: Léon Kreutzer: Flute Quartet
Friday 22 September 2023, 09:02
Ah, yes, Eric - Walckiers' flute quartets, recorded and on YT.
#63
Recordings & Broadcasts / Re: CD of works by Adolf Jensen
Wednesday 20 September 2023, 09:12
These orchestral works sound to me like precursors of Coates and Ketèlbey. Very enjoyable, and just right for having with a meal, though not so sure about the bran and carrots, Terry!
#64
Composers & Music / Re: Léon Kreutzer: Flute Quartet
Wednesday 20 September 2023, 08:59
Thank you for this, 4candles. How unusual to have a flute quartet that is actually written for four flutes! It's obviously a computer realization, and the rather hymnlike opening reminded me of the portable organs I used to heard at Christian religious meetings. I really like it, and your movement summaries seem spot on, although the audio kept cutting out for me and had to be repeatedly re-set.

I would like to think that it might find its way into the concert hall. Hopefully, there are still people who have the patience to concentrate on four flutes for almost half an hour!  ;D
#65
QuoteI never get why people say "sorry" for not liking something - I didn't write it  ;D .

But you do go to all the effort of telling us about these rather obscure works, Christopher, and providing links, and often uploads too!  ;)

I think it was actually the mix that Mark noted that I didn't like, However, in view of the rather more positive comments from Alan and Mark, I'll give it a more careful listen. So... thanks! ;D
#66
Sorry, Christopher, but although you often unearth music that I enjoy, this isn't for me. The performance and recording are rather poor, and I find the music wholly unmemorable. I wish that wasn't the case, given the composer's sad life history. Maybe I am being unfair, and others on UC have a more positive reaction.
#67
Recordings & Broadcasts / Re: Dawson: Negro Folk Symphony
Sunday 17 September 2023, 08:04
Seems unnecessary to me!
#68
Composers & Music / Re: Vasyl Barvinsky (1888-1963)
Sunday 17 September 2023, 05:10
Thanks, Christopher. The new YT upload of the piano concerto is definitely better than the previous one, in all respects.
#70
Thanks for alerting us to this, Wheesht. The sound bites are all very tasty indeed!

I am totally unfamiliar with the work of both composers. Grove notes that Doret was a pupil of Dubois and Massenet, and primarily a composer of operas. However, in addition to this piano quintet, he also wote an orchestral suite, a string quartet, songs and choral works. Fritz Bach isn't listed in any of the usual resources, such as Grove and Baker's Biographical Dictionary. I see from Wiki that D'Indy was one of his teachers, and that he mainly composed religious music.
#71
Recordings & Broadcasts / Re: Parry's Prometheus Unbound
Sunday 17 September 2023, 03:43
Yes, I share your misgivings about the Gramophone reviews, Alan. It could be a sign of changing tastes, as some of the reviewers are young enough to be my grandchildren, but I do think it is more about musicianship and standards. This release has served me well, however, by making me go back to the Handley performance and truly appreciating it!
#72
Recordings & Broadcasts / Re: Parry's Prometheus Unbound
Wednesday 13 September 2023, 12:34
Much as I love Parry's general ethos, I think Alan pinpoints his weaknesses very accurately and my reaction to this piece is also much the same. It's attractive enough but it's difficult to understand why it was regarded back in 1880 as a turning point in English music.
The performance by the Royal Philharmonic under Vernon Handley, mentioned by Mark, was broadcast by the BBC back in 1988 and in my view is far superior.
https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/64b86d059f9c43079eede4858ecec09a
Firstly, the singing is a model of clarity and precision, and secondly the orchestra is more sprightly and the dynamics less 'muddy'. As Mark says it is "muscular". I am afraid this is not the case with the new release. I was, indeed somewhat disappointed. A sweet version of Blest Pair of Sirens was a small compensation.
#73
Composers & Music / Re: The Future of BIS
Sunday 10 September 2023, 06:26
Goodness me, it's all so unpredictable. I'd hate to think of Chandos or cpo being effectively killed off through a takeover. Classical music isn't exactly a 'big earner' and these organizations think only of the bottom line; the first area to suffer would be surely the more obscure, or unsung, that few people purchase.
#74
Composers & Music / The Future of BIS
Saturday 09 September 2023, 07:59
I see that the Swsedish label BIS has been purchased by Apple. I wonder what this will mean for the current and future catalogue in terms of both content and formats, and in particular, of course, in relation to the less familiar repertoire. Losing Hyperion, and BIS so soon afterwards, might suggest a trend, and I can't work out whether our range of choices is broadening or narrowing. Any thoughts?
#75
Oh, yes! This is at once stirring and beautiful. I think this has jumped the queue to the top of my wants list. Yet another Polish composer I have never heard of. Thank you for drawing attention to it, Alan.