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Post by jandl100 on Jan 17, 2021 5:40:10 GMT
So, looking at the downside, only 2 folks found my first January offering worth responding to.  But the upside was they really liked it.  Let's see what happens with this 15 minute piece by Vasks. Lonely Angel. I was jaw dropped by its emotional intensity. It rather reminds me of Shostakovich 2nd piano trio slow movement. The album info on Spotify implies that there are a number of versions / transcriptions, this one being for piano trio. I'll be looking into other versions but I haven't done so yet. I'll dig out a Qobuz link later. |
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Post by jandl100 on Jan 17, 2021 5:42:45 GMT
It would be good if John gave it a listen. I've a suspicion he'll like it. |
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Post by John on Jan 17, 2021 6:47:53 GMT
I give it a listen later today I do enjoy Vasks so probably will enjoy this
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Post by julesd68 on Jan 17, 2021 14:27:35 GMT
I'll give this a listen tonight. Repeat to self - 'must keep open mind ... must keep open mind.'  |
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Post by MartinT on Jan 17, 2021 15:17:15 GMT
Qobuz link in 24/88: open.qobuz.com/track/84676917Listening to it now. It's really rather good. I could see it being used as incidental music - not to belittle it, but because it does invoke tremendous emotive feelings. Rather wonderful 4/5. |
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Post by Slinger on Jan 17, 2021 15:19:43 GMT
I like a fair bit of Vasks' works, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed for this one.
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Post by Slinger on Jan 17, 2021 16:22:38 GMT
Absolutely gorgeous, Jerry. I love the almost "sly" extra-long portamentos from the violin at the end of some sections. Definitely a 6/5 from me.
The footy is on now, and then I shall play the album all the way through, from the start, obviously, over dinner.
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Post by julesd68 on Jan 17, 2021 17:17:43 GMT
This is what Vasks said about his inspiration -
“I saw an angel, flying over the world; the angel looks at the world’s condition with grieving eyes, but an almost imperceptible, loving touch of the angel’s wings brings comfort and healing. This piece is my music after the pain.”
I’d agree with the incidental music Martin referred to - to me it sounds like a good score for some kind of haunting European film drama.
The violin is the best bit about it which isn’t much of a surprise as it is also referred to as a VC; apparently Gidon Kremer premiered it, fab violinist.
I’ve read elsewhere that it’s Vasks’s orchestration of the last movement of his Fourth String Quartet
It’s a three from me.
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Post by John on Jan 17, 2021 18:27:39 GMT
If just marking Lonely Angel a 5 form me if the whole album I struggle with it a lot more and could only give it a 2
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Post by jandl100 on Jan 17, 2021 19:39:23 GMT
If just marking Lonely Angel a 5 form me if the whole album I struggle with it a lot more and could only give it a 2 As per the title of the thread, just Lonely Angel. I agree the rest of the album is less interesting. |
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Post by Slinger on Jan 17, 2021 21:14:42 GMT
The middle section of the album is just about at the limits of my listening "pleasure" zone. Having said that, I didn't turn it off, or fast forward any of it. The closing piece, Plainscapes, I already knew from having the Vasks album of that name. The version I have features Sandis Steinbergs (Violin), Guna Aboltina (Cello) and the Latvian Radio Choir under Sigvards Klava. The choir, more or less, takes the place of the piano, and although I like the piano trio version here, the choir lends the whole thing a much more " ethereal" feel. It was originally written (in 2002) for a mixed choir, violin and cello on commission from Gidon Kremer. Gramophone, when reviewing Plainscapes, said " Although almost too harrowingly beautiful to listen to, I do recommend this magical piece, which together with its companions is performed with consummate perfection by this outstanding body of singers." That's all a bit flowery and also a bit over the top, but it is a beautiful piece. Try and have a listen to the vocalise/choral version if you haven't heard it already. |
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Post by jandl100 on Jan 17, 2021 21:34:46 GMT
^ I'll have a listen later.
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Post by John on Jan 18, 2021 8:18:08 GMT
If just marking Lonely Angel a 5 form me if the whole album I struggle with it a lot more and could only give it a 2 As per the title of the thread, just Lonely Angel. I agree the rest of the album is less interesting. I just given it a 5 |
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Post by Slinger on Jan 18, 2021 15:46:25 GMT
^ I'll have a listen later. I'll be interested to hear your thoughts on a comparison between the two "versions," Jerry |
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Post by jandl100 on Jan 19, 2021 5:57:37 GMT
^ I'll have a listen later. I'll be interested to hear your thoughts on a comparison between the two "versions," Jerry Yes, the choir gives a quite different feel to the piece. Excellent. I like both. Two for the price of one! |
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But the upside was they really liked it. 
