Tír Na HiFi

Jared wrote:my personal view would be to try out Symph Nos 5&6 first... don't give up until you understand his style. these two are generally considered to be amongst his most accessible... then perhaps try No 2 'London'.

I was only thinking earlier on today that it was just over 2 years ago that I borrowed RVW No 3 from the local library, and remembered thinking how turgid, limp and uninspiring it was ... 4 slow movements of almost complete boredom. Now, I think its wonderful... but that's after 30 plus listens, and a determination to understand what it was he was trying to say. Now, the trumpet sound of 'the last post', sends complete shivers down my spine...

Like some of Sibelius' tone poems, much of his music just requires quite a few listens to access the subtleties, which is ironic because initially you can think 'there doesn't sound much to this'

Jared wrote:

fergus wrote:

Jared wrote:.... if you want to give this one another try, the Bernard Haitink version is very dramatic..

Thanks for that Jared....I am always open to trying something new....

my personal view would be to try out Symph Nos 5&6 first... don't give up until you understand his style. these two are generally considered to be amongst his most accessible... then perhaps try No 2 'London'.

I was only thinking earlier on today that it was just over 2 years ago that I borrowed RVW No 3 from the local library, and remembered thinking how turgid, limp and uninspiring it was ... 4 slow movements of almost complete boredom. Now, I think its wonderful... but that's after 30 plus listens, and a determination to understand what it was he was trying to say. Now, the trumpet sound of 'the last post', sends complete shivers down my spine...

Like some of Sibelius' tone poems, much of his music just requires quite a few listens to access the subtleties, which is ironic because initially you can think 'there doesn't sound much to this'

fergus wrote:

Jared wrote:RVW: 'A Sea Symphony'

I must give this one another try....it is a work that I just cannot appreciate ( which is relatively unusual for me).....all help to appreciate it would be greatfully received!!

mcq wrote:.... With regards to the first symphony, my preference is with Previn.

mcq wrote: I have to admit that I think Vaughan Williams' symphonic cycle stands alongside Sibelius's cycle as one of the great 20th century achievements. Simply beautiful music. My favourite versions are by Andre Previn with the LSO on RCA, Bernard Haitink with the LPO on EMI and Adrian Boult's first cycle in mono on Decca (with the composer in attendance at the recording sessions). It's a great shame that Richard Hickox never lived to complete his complete traversal of the symphonies. With regards to the first symphony, my preference is with Previn.

Seán wrote:for me Sibelius was an instant hit....but Yawn Williams?....no, 'fraid not.

On a separate note, Jared, it's great to have you back with us lad.

fergus wrote:JSB – Cantata BWV135 for the Third Sunday after Trinity....

Jared wrote:

Seán wrote:for me Sibelius was an instant hit....but Yawn Williams?....no, 'fraid not.

On a separate note, Jared, it's great to have you back with us lad.

Sean... play RVW Symphony No 4, then No 2 back to back, then return and try to defend the word 'yawn'!

anyway, as always, it's good to talk to you, Sean... ;-))

Jared wrote:

fergus wrote:JSB – Cantata BWV135 for the Third Sunday after Trinity....

Fergus, there is every chance I will buy these, when they reach 'boxset' status...