Articulation and expression
Posted by: mikeeschman on 18 March 2010
I spent some time this morning with the Shostakovitch Symphony No. 15 (Rostropovich/London Symphony Orchestra).
The second movement is quite remarkable. There are subtle and profound brass chorales, A pair of Soliloquies, one for cello, the other for tenor trombone. These solo episodes are remarkable for their range of expression, and in this performance, the trombone speaks as a human voice would. In this same movement, a variety of spectacular climaxes entertain the listener.
One of Shostakovitch's most endearing qualities is his ability to feel improvisational. He has a spontaneous quality that is refreshing and exciting.
He had not achieved this degree of freedom since his first symphony.
But then, I loathe the war symphonies, because I feel such emotions are unmentionable and harmful to the spirit.
Each to his own :-)
Posted on: 18 March 2010 by u5227470736789439
I studied this symphony in terms of the orchestral bass part as my teacher was the first bass in the estimable Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, and they were to play it in a series of concerts under Parvo Berglund. It is a real challenge to say the least!
So it went onto the stand and we played it together! Well I played the greater part and my teacher played it all! All the notes in the bass part at least!
I attended one of the performances, and could not get too involved, but listened intently to what the basses were doing!
I thought this was about articulation and expression, but seeing your first post could nor resist the telling of the story! In the same concert, in Cheltenham Town Hall, they played Schubert's Sixth as well, and I was a guest of the orchestra and sat in a reserved seat next to a very nice older lady and between us sat a very distinguished man. In the interval he asked me what I thought of the first half [the Schubert] and I replied that it was grand to come across such a splendid performance! I then said that it so fine that the orchestra should keep its contact with its former chief conductor, and that I really admired his music making. This produced a broad grin as Mr. Berglund [junior] introduced me to his mother, Mrs. Parvo Berglund! I had no idea before hand ...
Lovely memories!
ATB from George
Posted on: 19 March 2010 by mudwolf
Oh George I'm loosing it. My romantic side has opened up with the new LPs I've heard Brahms 1st Abbado w/ Vienna Sym and Schubert, Schumann box sets from Henry's collection. Gosh such wonderful music. Last night at the Phil a young pianist named Vogt played Greig's Piano concerto in A minor. and they played Elgar's Enigma Variations.
Such wonderful music, beauty abounds, I'm loosing my 20th C angst, what should I do?
Go toward the light?
Posted on: 19 March 2010 by u5227470736789439
Dear Glenn,
Let the warmth welcome you, and go with it!
Angst, who wants it in art? There's enough of it in real life, and I never really liked art that imitates reality. For me art has to be uplifting to be something I want to really take the trouble to understand and love! Uplifting is not quite the same as "joyful!" Sometimes the uplift is from catharsis!
Lars Vogt is some pianist isn't he?
Fanastic new pianists coming up now!
Make your recovey fast!
Best wishes from George
