what is your favourite classical music work?

[corno]

Well most of the music I've mentioned so far are amongst what I would consider the "core" of the "classical music repertoire" today.

I know of Sibelius' Violin Concerto. I don't myself prefer some music in regards to other - there's of course some music I listen to rarely than others, but in my experience it's mostly a matter of personal mood which sets the "musical requirements".

Carl Nielsen has written a "fantasy" for oboe and piano, I don't know if it's the one you're refering to? I've both heard and played the (wood)wind quintet.

Kuhlau has also written the music for the Danish "goldenage" play "Elverhøj" ("The Elf Mound" - roughly translated) which is amongst the highly treasured stagepiece of that era and which also includes one of the two Danish "national anthems" - this one being the royal anthem - as opposed to the more widely regarded "Det er et yndigt land" ("A lovely land is ours") which is the one used at international sporting events. He's also been instrumental in introducing some of the old Danish folktunes - of which several are featured in "Elverhøj". - And naturally, as a hornplayer there's also his concertpiece for two horns and orchestra.

Hartman is probably one of the least known composers abroad, having contributed in no small part to the Danish "sangskat" (treasure of songs - direct translation), a word describing the songs written mainly in the middle of the 19th century but which also streches back to the early rennaisance and the earlist of folktunes.

[Jette]

the Danish "goldenage" play "Elverhøj" ("The Elf Mound" - roughly translated)

It`s called The hill of the elves

Jette

[corno]

Or "Elves' Hill" (as it's not "Elverhøjen") and probably several other versions, take your pick - what about "roughly" wasn't clear?

[rojo]

Hej,

Firstly, I must agree, the choral rendition of the Elgar work is indeed very good!

I myself definitely prefer some music in regards (or as compared) to others! Because some music moves me more than other music. And to me, that`s what is great about music- it moves us. The Sibelius Violin Concerto moves me more than Finlandia. What can I say, I find it to be an absolutely beautiful work, and it gets to me on an emotional level. Although I must admit it has been a while since I listened to Finlandia...

Yes, it is indeed the Fantasy for Oboe and Piano. Haven`t played it in a long time, I`ve forgotten how it goes. Do you like the Nielsen Quintet? If memory serves, it is very good.

Interesting info about Kuhlau and Hartmann, thanks.

[corno]

I'm currently listening to Dvorak's 9th symphony with LA Phil and Zubin Metha. It's a nice recording, and the symphony is as I remember it, including the 1st movement which I couldn't remember when you wrote about it earlier.
It's striking how similar the beginning of the 3rd movement is similar to the beginning of the same movement in Beethoven's 9th symphony (the scherzo-esque tempo/rhythms).
And a powerfull 4th movement reminicent of the symphonies of Tchaikowsky.

[rojo]

Hej Corno,

Do you like it? The New World Symphony, I mean.

Btw, I listened to a concert the other night on tv- Gil Shaham (sp?) playing the Sibelius Violin Concerto with NY Phil. He was very, very good (I admire anyone who takes up this difficult/wonderful work), but it was not the very best rendition I have heard. Nevertheless, the exquisiteness of the music itself always comes through. I think this is a good test of whether or not a work is a truly superior one; it seems no matter who plays the work (within reason, of course- no beginners-haha), it`s still great- I still got goosebumps!

The whole work is super; as soon as I hear the opening violin line, I melt! And the 2nd mvt. is absolutely beautiful. The 3rd mvt. is technically brutal, and awesome to listen to.

Does anyone out there have an opinion on this work?

[Julien A. Laurent]

I am absolutely in love with the Molto Vivace movement from Beethoven's 9th symphony. It's a fugal masterpiece, and it is colored wonderfully. Otherwise I like no Beethoven whatsoever...

Die Moldau is good, I would also mention The Sorcerer's Apprentice, Mars and Jupiter from the Planets, Fanfare for the Common Man...

That's all I can think of right now,

Julien

[rojo]

Wow, no other Beethoven whatsoever? That`s unusual. Have you listened to many/any of his other works? Not that I`m trying to sway your opinion- he`s not even my favourite composer. At least you didn`t say his Fur Elise was your favourite (piano teacher joke- it`s the most requested piece by students, so we get kind of tired of it. Not that it`s a bad piece, but...)

It`s just that usually when one likes a piece/song by an artist/composer, one can sometimes find one or more other works by them that one likes also. Not that this is always the case.

Dukas`s Sorcerer`s Apprentice is an interesting choice. Holst`s Mars is pretty impressive, I must say. I`ve forgotten how Jupiter goes.

[corno]

"Jupiter, the bringer of Jollity" is more in line, with regards to form, with the "Pomp and Circumstances" marches by Elgar with it's bordering on "flamboyant"/"virtuoso" introductions and it's extremely cantabile "trio"/center parts. It's one of my favorites among the "planets".

[Christine Callisen]

My all-time favourite is "Rondo all Turca" by Mozart. I really think it´s a fantastic piece of music. 3 years ago I could play it myself, but unfortunetly I think my fingers need some practise to do that over again....

[rojo]

Hej Christine,

Yeah, I hear ya. There are some technically challenging parts in Mozart`s Rondo Alla Turca, (like the sixteenth note passages, the left hand rolled notes...) especially if you want to play it with some speed. I`ve taught the real version only once- one has to be pretty advanced to play the real one in it`s entirety- lots of people just play simpler arrangements of this work, of which there are many.

While it`s not my favourite, I do find it an excellent piece.

[Christine Callisen]

Well I´m glad to hear, I´m not the only one who likes it! I was playing the real one because I wanted a challenge - that was really cool to do, but ekstremly time-comsuming.

You are right - the sixteenth note passages, is also really my favourite place! It´s hard to amagine, how a person can write someting like that

[rojo]

Well, learning that piece is quite an accomplishment- a pat on the back goes to you!

In general, relearning something is easier than starting from scratch- maybe you could pick it back up if you like it that much. (There`s the piano teacher in me talking again!)

Trouble with fancy pieces in general is they need constant maintenance to keep them in shape. That is also time-consuming. Although if one plays it at least now and then, one doesn`t lose too much.

[Christine Callisen]

Thanks

I have tought of picking it up again, it´s a shame to use a lot of time to make something perfect and then just forget to practice.... But I simply haven´t got the time. And if i should start playing mozart again, then I want to make sure it´s done right!
But yes - I understand what you mean!

When you repractice a classical music work, then do you play it in small pieces or just the whole over and over again?

[rojo]

Well, in general, I would say one should start at the beginning and see how far one can get. If it has been a long time since the work has been played, this may take a while and be quite arduous. But once one gets going, the rest may start to come back fairly quickly. Usually this is what happens.

After that, it just needs polishing up- replaying the more difficult parts, increasing the speed and checking the dynamics etc.

Because of time limitations, one can`t hold on to every single piece one has ever learned to perfection, (well, maybe some of us can, but not me) especially the longer ones. So sometimes I`ll just retain my favourite sections of pieces. Maybe you could try that. Although, I don`t see how you could pick a favourite part of the Mozart; it`s pretty much all good!