Naim Audio Forum Archive

Posted on: 06 January 2013 by Tony2011

Posted on: 06 January 2013 by Florestan

Sergei Prokofiev's Concerto for Piano No. 2 in G minor, Op. 16: Andantino-Allegretto 1st movement only
Anna Vinnitskaya (Piano) / Gilbert Varga / Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin

The musical language of each composer clearly has to be very different from one to the next and from time period to time period and from culture to culture etc. but great music, no matter what it is and what genre, always has a common thread to it and through each individual through an emotional language or connection. If you just hear notes (bombastic or not) and do not feel anything (or get any form of pleasure from the music) then I believe you have missed the point of music. If you are listening seriously to music you should have or expect some sort of physiological response; increased (or decreased) heart rate, sweat, joy, tears etc. Most composers did not go through the trouble of creating a work just for there own enlightenment. They want to share something valuable with you or me. It is a two way conversation where we are to get something out of it too. Mostly it is something they simply couldn't express in words such as an event that caused them much joy, sadness, hurt, despair and so on. Even though they are long dead and gone we can experience them directly through their music like we were having a very private conversation with our best friend.

The musical language of say Bach, for example, and that of Prokofiev is very different (on the surface). Once you get below the surface, the bottom line for me is that, emotionally, I find no difference between styles. Great music is great music and the result is always the same. It may be mood dependant only and so it requires something from you. You cannot expect to understand the musical context and viewpoint though if you refuse to join them though and empathize with their position. You have to show interest in the problem and seek to understand their position. You cannot confine yourself but let yourself go and break free from your bondage. Expect more and great things from your music.

The 1st movement of this G minor piano concerto has always had a powerful effect on me. I'm still not sure what it is about or means but it transports me somewhere or gives me the literal feeling like I'm floating through space, weightless and uninhibited. It is just a dream that just slowly unfolds, layer by layer it builds to an incredible climax until it finally dies away.

As a pianist, of course I'm glad for this extra long cadenza in this movement that turns nearly half of it into a plain old solo work almost. Of course, it all fits together but from about the late 5 minute mark (section 20) to the return of the orchestra (section 21) the challenge is taken head on by Prokofiev. This is the soliloquy. This is the section that develops and moves the plot forward. All the questions and answers (if any) are dealt with here.

It is an incredible work for me. Don't just listen but try to imagine how your body could actually physically create or convey the needed emotion (whether on a keyboard or any instrument or as a conductor or singer/hummer etc). You might be surprised at the outcome.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uq7rgu3ZuMg

Posted on: 06 January 2013 by winkyincanada

Up early and wanted something quiet as my lovely wife is still sleeping.

Posted on: 06 January 2013 by Lloydy

Different from their usual material

Posted on: 06 January 2013 by DrMark

Posted on: 06 January 2013 by Lloydy

Not listened to Rainbow for some time

Posted on: 06 January 2013 by FangfossFlyer

Because I think i prefer it to Pepper

Posted on: 06 January 2013 by DrMark

Posted on: 06 January 2013 by EJS

Originally Posted by Florestan:

Sergei Prokofiev's Concerto for Piano No. 2 in G minor, Op. 16: Andantino-Allegretto 1st movement only
Anna Vinnitskaya (Piano) / Gilbert Varga / Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin

The musical language of each composer clearly has to be very different from one to the next and from time period to time period and from culture to culture etc. but great music, no matter what it is and what genre, always has a common thread to it and through each individual through an emotional language or connection. If you just hear notes (bombastic or not) and do not feel anything (or get any form of pleasure from the music) then I believe you have missed the point of music. If you are listening seriously to music you should have or expect some sort of physiological response; increased (or decreased) heart rate, sweat, joy, tears etc. Most composers did not go through the trouble of creating a work just for there own enlightenment. They want to share something valuable with you or me. It is a two way conversation where we are to get something out of it too. Mostly it is something they simply couldn't express in words such as an event that caused them much joy, sadness, hurt, despair and so on. Even though they are long dead and gone we can experience them directly through their music like we were having a very private conversation with our best friend.

The musical language of say Bach, for example, and that of Prokofiev is very different (on the surface). Once you get below the surface, the bottom line for me is that, emotionally, I find no difference between styles. Great music is great music and the result is always the same. It may be mood dependant only and so it requires something from you. You cannot expect to understand the musical context and viewpoint though if you refuse to join them though and empathize with their position. You have to show interest in the problem and seek to understand their position. You cannot confine yourself but let yourself go and break free from your bondage. Expect more and great things from your music.

The 1st movement of this G minor piano concerto has always had a powerful effect on me. I'm still not sure what it is about or means but it transports me somewhere or gives me the literal feeling like I'm floating through space, weightless and uninhibited. It is just a dream that just slowly unfolds, layer by layer it builds to an incredible climax until it finally dies away.

As a pianist, of course I'm glad for this extra long cadenza in this movement that turns nearly half of it into a plain old solo work almost. Of course, it all fits together but from about the late 5 minute mark (section 20) to the return of the orchestra (section 21) the challenge is taken head on by Prokofiev. This is the soliloquy. This is the section that develops and moves the plot forward. All the questions and answers (if any) are dealt with here.

It is an incredible work for me. Don't just listen but try to imagine how your body could actually physically create or convey the needed emotion (whether on a keyboard or any instrument or as a conductor or singer/hummer etc). You might be surprised at the outcome.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uq7rgu3ZuMg

Doug, allow me to add that the performance of both works is quite special, too. This is the disc that alerted me to Vinnitskaya.

EJ

Posted on: 06 January 2013 by FangfossFlyer

She's so heavy.....

Posted on: 06 January 2013 by Kevin-W

Coz I love British light music on a Sunday. And because I love Coats' Saxo Rhapsody most of all (it just needs a Powell & Pressberger film to accompany it)