Messages

Over the last week or so I have been enjoying the music of Mihály Mosonyi (1815-1870). I was surprised to find that although his music clearly falls into UC's remit he has been mentioned only occasionally, mostly some years ago. I had assumed that his rather charming Piano Concerto was one of the Hyperion RPCs, but all I could find are the old Vox and Marco Polo recordings. The Marco Polo series of recordings of his piano music is likewise 23-30 years old. The Hungaroton version of his excellent String Sextet is from 2004; the String Quartets, and three Masses along with shorter vocal works, appeared some 15 years ago (although the actual recording dates are hard to pin down). A selection of piano pieces appeared on a Da Vinci disc in 2022 and is a delight, provided you're not expecting anything demanding.

That's just my take from visiting the usual music retail websites.

It's perhaps not 'great' music, compared to that of some of his contemporaries, but much of it is engaging and enjoyable. Perhaps it's Mosonyi's insistence on trying to create a distinctively Hungarian style that has led to this neglect. I don't know, but I do feel it is time for some fresh recordings! Does anyone else on UC share this view?

Yes, I hadn't noticed it was not the complete symphony. 
I must add that Adriano's recording of the 1st symphony is most engaging.

I think Classic FM and other similar radio stations have a lot to answer for: you don't have to listen for long to realise that certain pieces of music are played to death while others are completely neglected.

This is also the case in Australia, especially at 'peak listening times'. I have noted the same work being played three or four times in a week. One longs for the days of BBC Radio 3, which constantly took listeners into unexplored repertoire, and whose announcers knew their Haydn from their Hayden!

For anyone, like me, who hasn't heard Scherber's music, all three symphonies can be heard on YT. I'll give them a go - "repetitive and gimmicky" is intriguing!

From my FB feed and concerning my nearest concert hall:

The countdown to the Winter Concert is officially on! Come in and get out of the cold this December 17th for an evening of wonderful music at the Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall, York University!🎅🏻❄️🎶

Programme to include:

Samuel Coleridge-Taylor: Othello Suite
Tchaikovsky: Nutcracker Suite
Prokofiev: Romeo and Juliet Suite No.2

Tickets available on our website as usual... see you there!

I don't know the Coleridge-Taylor at all!

Best regards
Jonathan

I'd love to, Jonathan. It's a most enjoyable concert programme, York is a beautiful city, and I'd really enjoy some cold weather as a relief from the heat of North Queensland!

The De Almeida Monte Carlo is my go-to fun recording. The finale bounces along in a swaggering way.

Me too, Terry. The Namouna music has always been my favourite work by Lalo. I think the selection of works for this new release should make for a most enjoyable experience, and I think a lively tempo won't hurt!

There is an old performance of his first symphony on YT at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gcWAndyj60
... posted, I think, by one of our UC members.

Hear, hear. Another hugely entertaining disc. Thank you, Dario!

Apologies for resurrecting this issue, but I've only just accessed the list and feel i must respond. Frankly, I am sceptical of people who say that the character of a composer has no bearing on their reaction to that person's compositions. It makes no sense in theory and is virtually impossible in practice, to separate the composer from the composition. If music is not, at least to some extent, an expression of the thoughts, feelings and personality of the composer, then it might as well be written by a machine. It may be that the music represents an entirely different and more attractive aspect of the composer's personality, but the composer is never entirely absent from their music. I don't think this is "new musicology", by the way. It's surely the traditional way of regarding the relationship between composers and their music.

The BIS website is already attracting critical comment. Looks like the marketing whizz-kids have been given free rein.

Yes, a remarkable life, and a good example of the repressive 19thC attitudes toward women whose aspirations went beyond the kitchen and the darning needle. Little wonder that she was a 'difficult' woman!

Thanks for drawing attention to the YT upload, Wheesht. This release somehow passed me by, so I'll follow your example!

Yes, and a very charming and rather apt cover, I think.

Anything in mind, Mark? I was thinking variety - spice of life, and all that!

Yes, a very welcome release, and such an interesting and diverse selection of works. I wonder if there will be a Vol.3.