Happy New 2015
...and adieu 2014, which has seen me put together two main systems which reproduce classical music with lots of tonal realism. A chief beneficiary is the violin. Before I was content to have 2-3 different versions of the concertos. Now, especially the last two months, I've been buying nothing but violin concertos recordings, exploring the artistry of current violin virtuosos. I think 2015 will seen me turn into a violin fanatic.
One major concerto has finally made its way into my affection and esteem. Elgar's. I didn't quite get it when I first heard it years earlier. It seems you needs to cross over into middle age, and lived life, before the themes of this very mature composition start to resonate with you. So this connection is timely then. Even then, I find Elgar's concerto, the lengthiest of all violin concertos, to be an overwhelming stack of violin notes. I'm a Wagnerian used to longueurs, but Elgar's concerto - shorter than a Wagnerian opera act - I find difficult for my mind to grasp its full architecture; all the melodies and themes contained therein. There's something elusive about it. :dunno: The many vignettes of melody are enthralling when emerging from the speakers, but after the system is powered down, I just can't replay the whole concerto in my mind. Bruch's is easy, but Elgar's is 52 mins.
Anyway, I have the whole of 2015 to try to assimilate the whole range of emotions in this grand sprawling concertos.
Seasoned wammers who have longer familiarity with this concerto, you're welcome to share your tips on what it means to you.
Currently I'm liking the James Ehnes version on Onyx and Tasmin Little's on Chandos. Hilary Hahn's with Colin Davis on DG is the iciest thing I've ever heard her do. Avoid.
SS
...and adieu 2014, which has seen me put together two main systems which reproduce classical music with lots of tonal realism. A chief beneficiary is the violin. Before I was content to have 2-3 different versions of the concertos. Now, especially the last two months, I've been buying nothing but violin concertos recordings, exploring the artistry of current violin virtuosos. I think 2015 will seen me turn into a violin fanatic.
One major concerto has finally made its way into my affection and esteem. Elgar's. I didn't quite get it when I first heard it years earlier. It seems you needs to cross over into middle age, and lived life, before the themes of this very mature composition start to resonate with you. So this connection is timely then. Even then, I find Elgar's concerto, the lengthiest of all violin concertos, to be an overwhelming stack of violin notes. I'm a Wagnerian used to longueurs, but Elgar's concerto - shorter than a Wagnerian opera act - I find difficult for my mind to grasp its full architecture; all the melodies and themes contained therein. There's something elusive about it. :dunno: The many vignettes of melody are enthralling when emerging from the speakers, but after the system is powered down, I just can't replay the whole concerto in my mind. Bruch's is easy, but Elgar's is 52 mins.
Anyway, I have the whole of 2015 to try to assimilate the whole range of emotions in this grand sprawling concertos.
Seasoned wammers who have longer familiarity with this concerto, you're welcome to share your tips on what it means to you.
Currently I'm liking the James Ehnes version on Onyx and Tasmin Little's on Chandos. Hilary Hahn's with Colin Davis on DG is the iciest thing I've ever heard her do. Avoid.
SS