The Clarinet BBoard

The Clarinet BBoard The C4 standard

New Topic | Go to Top | Go to Topic | Search | Help/Rules | Smileys/Notes | Log In

Newer Topic | Older Topic

Unknown music: general division

Author: Micaela
Date: 2004-01-21 04:37

I greatly enjoyed the discussion of unknown music a few weeks back and would like to expand the question: what is your favorite obscure or underappreciated piece, generally? Most people mentioned clarinet solo pieces before- are there any other pieces you think deserve more attention? Recommend a recording.

I'll start: The Stravinsky Violin Concerto. It's difficult, it's uncompromisingly modern, and it's not very popular. However, it's a delightful piece. It's vivacious, beautifully orchestrated and not too long. There are a few snappy little clarinet solos. It's completely enjoyable to listen to (though a horror to play). Hilary Hahn's recording is excellent.

I hope to expand my listening horizons with your responses. I've ordered a CD of the Afro American Symphony from inter-library loan and will listen to it soon.

Micaela

Reply To Message

Re: Unknown music: general division

Author: David Peacham
Date: 2004-01-21 09:45

If you include Stravinsky then I guess you'll accept little-known pieces from well-known composers, rather than things that are real unknowns.

So here are three suggestions:

Vaughan Williams Ninth Symphony.
Weber Concertino for Horn (MUCH better than the clarinet concerti.)
Beethoven Triple Concerto.

For the Beethoven, try to get hold of the recording with Paul Badura-Skoda on the piano. It existed both on vinyl and on CD. I don't know of any recording that gives a more convincing impression of how music might _really_ have sounded in Beethoven's day. Warts and all, with some appalling intonation. The best bit is the middle section of the last movement, when PB-S hits the poor unfortunate 1815 Broadwood so hard that it sounds more like a harpsichord. Subtle and beautiful it is not, but it is wonderfully convincing. Beethoven meets Punk Rock, if you like.

-----------

If there are so many people on this board unwilling or unable to have a civil and balanced discussion about important issues, then I shan't bother to post here any more.

To the great relief of many of you, no doubt.

Reply To Message

Avail. Forums | Threaded View

Newer Topic | Older Topic

The Clarinet Pages

For Sale
Put your ads for items you'd like to sell here. Free! Please, no more than two at a time - ads removed after two weeks.