Re: The Well, Part LXXVI: 76 Trombones?
Fire a couple your way you asked me:
2 pieces-your opinion on them.
1.Vivaldi-The Four Seasons
2.Holst-The Planets
1. The Four Seasons, for me anyway, has kind of just become part of my consciousness. I don't think I could sing for you any of them besides "Spring" but I always recognize them instantly. The real upside (or downside) to a piece being so widely popular is that you get dozens of recordings of it, *most* of them quite good. My personal favorite lately has been Janine Jansen's cut for Decca. As far as the piece itself is concerned, it's a real masterpiece... and I don't think too many people would argue that. While the melody/harmony/form/arrangement are all undeniably "Baroque," I think it remains timeless and tireless.
2. Holst's Planets Suite is far and away my favorite orchestral piece. My mom always liked "Jupiter" when I was growing up, so I part of it is the early exposure. It's one of the few orchestral pieces that calls for tenor tuba/euphonium, so it has that going for it. Its relatively short movements and widely varied moods keep it interesting so in that regard I find this piece to be a very good "gateway" piece into classical listening. (Although I'm totally into classical music, I'll be the first to say it can be a drag sometimes...). As far as classical music goes, I am mostly a fan of Romantic/Post-Romantic composers - I like some power and emotion in my music... and I like it out in front. The Planets definitely has that. Beyond the listening aspect, I find the score fascinating to study (yes I own a copy), and the astronomical/mythological/astrological side is fun to look at as well. Like the Four Seasons, this piece has been recorded TONS of times, and I've listened to a good portion of them. My very favorite is Charles Dutoit conducting the Montreal Symphony Orchestra from the mid 80s. Interpretation and production are top quality on that recording. Other good picks are Levine/Chicago, Gardiner/Philharmonia and Previn/Royal Phil. In my opinion, of course.
