[Closed] Now Playing ( NON film / game / tv scores ) - Part IV

Ralph Vaughan Williams - The Lark Ascending

I immediately fell in love with the piece on my first listening yesterday. I also did a bit of reading yesterday. I think it's pretty wonderful that Vaughan Williams didn't give the solo violin a time signature which lets it flow with its own pace, gives the piece a more dream-like character, which adds to its beauty. Now I am listening to it much louder than yesterday (which was late at night with my parents asleep).

Pure bliss or musical beauty. Even more valuable because written in the 20th century, early 20th century, but still.

Tim, which symphony was written based on his war experience? It was Pastoral, wasn't it? Could you remind me the number?

Not so lucky. Better fun next time.

W.A. Mozart - Clarinet concerto

Martin Frost is a fine clarinetist with fantastic technique. He demonstrates such warmth and sensitivity from what is primarily known as a tongue-in-cheek instrument among orchestrators. I think what Mozart ingeniously does here, in one of the earliest masterpieces for the instrument, is exploit the contrasting registers of the instrument (the chalumeau and the clarino) to turn the soloist into a kind of schizophrenic figure, which further augmentates the opportunities in interpretation. The second movement is often cited as one of the most beautiful pieces of music in the concerto repertoire, and I think that is a well deserved compliment!

Martina (Martijn) and Pamela (Pawelstroinski)

Busy making new friends I see, Sun-il Jim.

NP : WATER COLORS - Pat Metheny



Lovely, relaxing listen.

With slightly more info on the normal NP thread

I was just listening to Sketches of Spain the other day. That Gil Evans is truly unique, one heck of an orchestrator.

Bartók - Music for strings, percussion and celesta

Mariss Jansons and the Oslo philharmonic prove again they are excellent interpreters of Bartók. The third movement is my absolute favourite with the intricate piano progressions in mysterious, and in way secretive interactions with high strings and celesta in unison. And I'm beginning to wonder if the last movement had any influence on John Williams' excellent Epilogue from War of the Worlds. The "gypsyesque" scales used here seem similar, albeit perhaps in the broadest sense.

A friend of mine was comparing Bartok to Stravinsky. Is this comparison valid? I haven't heard any Bartok yet.

Thanks Thor. I don't know John Miles. I'll check into it.
By the way , I saw Roger Hodgson in concert 2 months ago. That was a real thrilling and joyful two hours in his company. His colleague is much better now too. Roger had 4 or 5 sold out concerts this time around.

Oh yes, I will get back to Dark Side of the Moon soon

Absolutely, Timmy!

You did? I'm totally envious. I've never seen Hodgson or the rest of the Supertramp gang even once, despite being a fan for so long. Do you have Hodgson's live DVD, TAKE THE LONG WAY HOME? That's with the same concert you attended.

Also, as long we're onto Hodgson, are you aware of his concerts with orchestra some years ago (which is the opposite of his minimal setup now, which is just him and Aaron McDonald). Check out this video of "Fool's Overture", for example:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nob9k558 … re=related

Superb stuff!

Yes, I got the DVD a few days after I went to the concert. Hodgson is touring in Europe this summer. i don't think he's going your way. Closest for you would be Kiel germany in august or Brussels in september.

Fool's Overture was always "meant" to be played with an orchestra. It does have that scope. Thanks for the link.

Right, I might take the historical path one day. I'm not doing a paper, but it helps to put things in context.

NP: FAIRY TALE (SKAZKA)...RIMSKY-KORSAKOV. A true master at melody, harmony, and counterpoint.
Thomas