Unsung Composers

The Music => Recordings & Broadcasts => Topic started by: Martin Eastick on Friday 14 August 2020, 00:02

Title: Joan Manen Symphony No.2 & Violin Concerto No.3
Post by: Martin Eastick on Friday 14 August 2020, 00:02
Although these are later works, there seems to be nothing unacceptable judging from the soundbites here! I will be ordering this without doubt! https://www.jpc.de/jpcng/classic/detail/-/art/violinkonzert-3-iberico/hnum/10245676 (https://www.jpc.de/jpcng/classic/detail/-/art/violinkonzert-3-iberico/hnum/10245676)
Title: Re: Joan Manen Symphony No.2 & Violin Concerto No.3
Post by: Alan Howe on Friday 14 August 2020, 00:07
Me too!
Title: Re: Joan Manen Symphony No.2 & Violin Concerto No.3
Post by: semloh on Friday 14 August 2020, 04:48
Definitely onto the 'wants' list!
Title: Re: Joan Manen Symphony No.2 & Violin Concerto No.3
Post by: Alan Howe on Tuesday 15 September 2020, 17:36
I'm listening to Symphony No.2 which, at 55+ mins, is Elgar-sized. Unfortunately, I don't think it's Elgar-quality. It's wonderfully written for a huge orchestra, but I somehow feel I'm not going to remember anything at the end of it. Nevertheless you have to admire the sheer orchestral richness and variety of timbres and textures that Manén generates. Gorgeous - but memorable? I'm not so sure.
Title: Re: Joan Manen Symphony No.2 & Violin Concerto No.3
Post by: Mark Thomas on Tuesday 15 September 2020, 18:20
I'm sure. It's all that Alan says, including the lack of memorable material, unfortunately. Such a shame, as everything else about it is really impressive. I haven't yet listened to the Violin Concerto, maybe that'll have an earworm or two...
Title: Re: Joan Manen Symphony No.2 & Violin Concerto No.3
Post by: Alan Howe on Tuesday 15 September 2020, 22:00
Nope - it's rather like the Symphony. Although having a soloist leads the ear rather more. I think...

Title: Re: Joan Manen Symphony No.2 & Violin Concerto No.3
Post by: MartinH on Tuesday 15 September 2020, 23:21
I'm such a sexist pig - I saw the thread title and thought, "another forgotten woman composer". Nope! I just assumed "Joan" was a woman's name. I'm not woke enough, I guess. But I've already ordered it! Maybe not masterpieces, but what the heck. Got to support these companies and hope they keep grinding out more unplayed music. (Just get to the Grimm symphony!)
Title: Re: Joan Manen Symphony No.2 & Violin Concerto No.3
Post by: Mark Thomas on Wednesday 16 September 2020, 08:00
I do agree with Martin's point about supporting companies, but I'm afraid that the Violin Concerto is, as Alan wrote, as devoid of thematic interest as the Symphony. Manén, on this evidence so blessed with compositional skills, just didn't have the gift of tune it seems.
Title: Re: Joan Manen Symphony No.2 & Violin Concerto No.3
Post by: Alan Howe on Wednesday 16 September 2020, 08:03
Still, at least we've supported the recording company and the performers.
Title: Re: Joan Manen Symphony No.2 & Violin Concerto No.3
Post by: semloh on Saturday 19 September 2020, 01:16
Yes, fully agree about the music. How strange that someone has the full palette available but can't paint the picture!
Title: Re: Joan Manen Symphony No.2 & Violin Concerto No.3
Post by: eschiss1 on Wednesday 07 October 2020, 14:38
Was this composer related to the very-recently-deceased Christian Manen who was born in France in 1934?...