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Post by jandl100 on Jan 1, 2019 8:14:48 GMT
Happy New Year, everyone! Mendelssohn .... Too easily dismissed, in my view, as light and insubstantial. I recall a post on TAS saying "what is the point of Mendelssohn?". Well, I disagree!  I think him a strong candidate as a 1st rate composer alongside the likes of Beethoven, Bach and Mahler etc. Everyone knows the Wedding March from a Midsummer Night's Dream - and many are familiar with his 4th symphony, the Italian. Pompous but tuneful. Light and bouncy. But surely not a serious composer? For those of such views, I could introduce you to his wonderful string quartets (often heavily influenced by Beethoven) or his marvellous piano trios (on a par with Schubert's masterpieces) or perhaps his large scale oratorios that made him such a hit in 19th century England. But on this occasion I will choose his masterful 3rd symphony. Powerful and melodic, with a marvellous zesty energy, I think it's my favourite of his symphonies. Give it a listen in my favourite performance led by Jan Willem de Vriend. It starts at track 5 on this album.  open.qobuz.com/album/0608917264128 |
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Post by Slinger on Jan 1, 2019 16:23:34 GMT
Happy New Year, Jerry. Mendelssohn? The bloke wot did that he-brides overture, right?  Seriously, I know little to nothing about his symphonic works, despite being familiar with his overtures, violin concerto and organ sonatas... sonatae... whatever. I'm looking forward to this. Interesting factoid (thank you Wikipedia) Mendelssohn's mature symphonies are numbered approximately in the order of publication, rather than the order in which they were composed. The order of composition is: 1, 5, 4, 2, 3. The placement of No. 3 in this sequence is problematic because he worked on it for over a decade, starting soon after he began work on No. 5, but completing it after both Nos. 5 and 4. |
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Post by julesd68 on Jan 1, 2019 18:09:55 GMT
Ok I have to admit to not being a fan ... I especially find the Violin Concerto really overrated.
I've enjoyed his chamber music when peformed live but have zero Mendy in my collection, so will be good to try this.
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Post by MartinT on Jan 2, 2019 3:32:42 GMT
I'm in the same boat - not a Mendelssohn fan. I shall try this soon.
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Post by jandl100 on Jan 2, 2019 7:16:53 GMT
Ok I have to admit to not being a fan ... I especially find the Violin Concerto really overrated.
Hmm, yes. If you were paying attention (you were paying attention, weren't you?) you will have noted that I did not mention any of the concerti in my introductory verbiage proclaiming the excellence of the composer.  And the violin concerto is the best of them, imo. I regard the VC as a pleasant enough work, nicely melodic, and an easy and good way to help folks find their way into classical music. Quite a bit like the Four Seasons, really.  |
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Post by MartinT on Jan 2, 2019 17:14:05 GMT
Well, colour me surprised, Jerry. I've never heard the 3rd and it sounds pretty good. I might have guessed it was Schubert. I'll give it an immediate 4/5 and will promise to listen to his other symphonies.
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Post by jandl100 on Jan 2, 2019 17:20:15 GMT
Good stuff. Listen to it again, Martin - it's a grower! |
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Post by Slinger on Jan 2, 2019 18:09:43 GMT
I think this falls into the "good, but not great" category. I played the Abbado/LSO version because that's the version I own. If you haven't already, I do suggest you have a listen to his Op.65 organ sonatas.
I will probably now play my way through the rest of the symphonies over the week.
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Post by jandl100 on Jan 2, 2019 18:14:13 GMT
I think this falls into the "good, but not great" category. I played the Abbado/LSO version because that's the version I own. If you haven't already, I do suggest you have a listen to his Op.65 organ sonatas. I will probably now play my way through the rest of the symphonies over the week. Hmm, well, I was never a fan of Abbado in anything. de Vriend does it so much better. Git yourself a listen on Spotify, Paul! |
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Post by Slinger on Jan 2, 2019 18:18:36 GMT
It's "swings and roundabouts," Jerry. If I listen on Spotify it has to be on the SMSL Q5/DL4s2+Sub system attached to the computer, plus I only use basic, free, Spotify. I went for sound quality.
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Post by jandl100 on Jan 2, 2019 19:08:11 GMT
Go for the performance.
That's what it's all about, imo.
Or get your system sorted!
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Post by Slinger on Jan 2, 2019 19:22:43 GMT
My system is sorted, Jerry, or assorted as it's going to get. I've got no interest in upgrading Spotify.
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Post by jandl100 on Jan 2, 2019 19:26:53 GMT
OK - but I'd still request you listen to de Vriend,
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Post by julesd68 on Jan 2, 2019 20:51:42 GMT
Ok I have to admit to not being a fan ... I especially find the Violin Concerto really overrated.
I regard the VC as a pleasant enough work, nicely melodic, and an easy and good way to help folks find their way into classical music. Quite a bit like the Four Seasons, really. Er, that's like comparing an honest bottle of Merlot to a stellar vintage of Brunello di Montalcino ... |
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Post by Pinch on Jan 2, 2019 23:58:35 GMT
Tried to find my vinyl copy of this earlier but it must be in storage. I'm sure I have digital copy somewhere - Karajan, I think - so will track that down.
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Post by julesd68 on Jan 7, 2019 16:18:23 GMT
Jerry - I haven't forgotten about this, just had a lot to catch up with since getting home from Xmas hols etc |
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Post by jandl100 on Jan 7, 2019 17:58:33 GMT
Jerry - I haven't forgotten about this, just had a lot to catch up with since getting home from Xmas hols etc Oops - similar tale with responding to your PM. Only I had forgotten!  |
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Post by julesd68 on Jan 9, 2019 14:35:11 GMT
Ouch.
1st movement - I just love the nobility to the introduction and conclusion of this movement - absolutely magical.
The storm of the Allegro certainly is ‘agitato’ - a very taut reading from De Vriend with that superbly punctuated brass barrage.
I like the way a romantic theme is subtly interwoven with this from time to time.
2nd movement - a lovely optimistic pastoral theme here, somewhat balletic; great energy from the orchestra.
3rd movement - interesting, it alternates themes between something rather gentle and introspective, with something much darker, echoing the themes of the 1st movement.
Again, the brass are quite superb here.
4th movement - not quite as idiosyncratic as the previous movements, a slightly more obvious ’triumphant’ theme here but with plenty of drive, light and shade.
I would love to hear this live. Have saved to spotify and will score 4.5, so 5.
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Post by jandl100 on Jan 9, 2019 15:18:09 GMT
Ouch. ..... and will score 4.5, so 5. Felix rules. Yay. I'm glad y'all like it. Mendelssohn - a bit of a turn up for the books, eh! So ... what for January, Part the Second?  |
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Post by jandl100 on Jan 9, 2019 15:30:34 GMT
If you're impressed by de Vriend's conducting here (as you should be ) then try his Beethoven 9th symphony. The 1st movement is totally stunning! One of the best recordings ever of this over-recorded symphonic movement imo. |
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