Recent Purchases

[fergus]

Couldn't resist....

Excellent! 19 CDs of Fauré's music....you should definitely enjoy that! I will be interested to see what you think of the chamber music.

[Peter]

French music is not a major part of my collection so Faure's works will hopefully change that. Generally, I have had a difficult time attuning to French compositions. It is just a very different style. I will report back on Faure!! :)

[Seán]

French music is not a major part of my collection so Faure's works will hopefully change that. Generally, I have had a difficult time attuning to French compositions. It is just a very different style. I will report back on Faure!! :)

I LOVE French composers: Fauré, Roussell, Ravel, Debussy et al

[fergus]

French music is not a major part of my collection so Faure's works will hopefully change that. Generally, I have had a difficult time attuning to French compositions. It is just a very different style. I will report back on Faure!! :)

I find French Chamber music of this period both intellectually and emotionally stimulating. It is however, infused with quite a bit of poignancy. One has to take regard of the historical context of this music. Much of it was written as the French Empire was in decline and then of course one had the devastating impact of WWW I and both of these circumstances led to a loss of national confidence and pride. It is not surprising therefore that there was a certain nostalgia and yearning for a past way of life. Hence a certain tone permeates the music composed in France during this period. I just feel that it is important to understand these points in order to enhance one’s appreciation of this wonderful music. I hope that you enjoy it.

[Peter]

I am pondering Faure's orchestral works at the moment. Apart from the Pavane they come across as almost impressionistic which I guess should not come as a surprise. I am already a fan of his piano works (especially the nocturnes). It seems like many people are especially drawn to the piano works which permeates numerous collections. Would you say that French composers have a lower profile due to the nature of the compositions. When one brings up the "warhorses" of classical music one does not exactly bring up the French pieces to the top of the list. I have been considering to listen more to Massenet and get familiar with his opera works. Do you happen to enjoy Massenet, Fergus?

[Peter]

French music is not a major part of my collection so Faure's works will hopefully change that. Generally, I have had a difficult time attuning to French compositions. It is just a very different style. I will report back on Faure!! :)

I LOVE French composers: Fauré, Roussell, Ravel, Debussy et al

So on the top of your listening list? I usually feel like I am working rather than listening when I put these on (with some exceptions), but I am all ears!

[Seán]

French music is not a major part of my collection so Faure's works will hopefully change that. Generally, I have had a difficult time attuning to French compositions. It is just a very different style. I will report back on Faure!! :)

I LOVE French composers: Fauré, Roussell, Ravel, Debussy et al

So on the top of your listening list? I usually feel like I am working rather than listening when I put these on (with some exceptions), but I am all ears!

Oh, that's a difficult one. All of Roussel's orchestral music particularly his Third Symphony, Debussy's La Mer and string quartet, Fauré's chamber music and Ravel's string quartet too. I should also mention Albéric Magnard's symphonic works and Camille Saint-Saëns Third Symphony and piano concertos.

[fergus]

I am pondering Faure's orchestral works at the moment. Apart from the Pavane they come across as almost impressionistic which I guess should not come as a surprise. I am already a fan of his piano works (especially the nocturnes). It seems like many people are especially drawn to the piano works which permeates numerous collections. Would you say that French composers have a lower profile due to the nature of the compositions. When one brings up the "warhorses" of classical music one does not exactly bring up the French pieces to the top of the list. I have been considering to listen more to Massenet and get familiar with his opera works. Do you happen to enjoy Massenet, Fergus?

I must confess that I am not familiar with Massenet's works Peter. I tend to listen more to French Chamber Music from around this period focusing on Fauré, Debussy, Ravel and Poulenc. If you find any jewels in Massenet's work do please let me know!!

[Peter]

Vivaldi Sacred Works!
I could not resist the combination of recordings and price. Only 26 GBP today at AmazonUK and seemingly a musical treasure trove!!!
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Vivaldi-The-Com ... cred+works

[Peter]

Oh, I also went for "Berlioz: Complete Orchestral and Sacred Music" set conducted by Sir Colin Davis. After all the talk in this thread in regards to French music I realized that Berlioz was quite unknown to me (apart from the Requiem and Symphonie Fantastique). Figured that it would be worth the plunge. It has not arrived yet, but I prepared by listening twice to the symphony. Ha ha ha! Interestingly, I was planning to his opera "Les Troyens" later this month as Lorraine Hunt performs in the recording I have.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Berlioz-Complet ... is+berlioz