[Nightfly]

Originally Posted by vikulenka

Nightfly, Not sure I can get into this symphony. There is some intensity, but it doesn't seem to ever get anywhere. I don't feel it moving forward. It's incredibly frustrating.

I don't find it beautiful enough where I can just enjoy it, without needing some sort of a resolution.

I think I might agree with you on the piece finding some sought of resolve.
I think that is the difference between him and Arvo Part.
Part is more dramatic and there is always a feeling of completion and resolve, which makes me a fan of his music.

With Gorecki I listened objectively and did not compare this piece
to any thing else and found it original and atmospheric.
It was definitely in need of more musical dynamics with in the passages.

But now I am going to have to listen to this again ... you got me thinking.

[vikulenka]

Originally Posted by Nightfly

I think I might agree with you on the piece finding some sought of resolve.
I think that is the difference between him and Arvo Part.
Part is more dramatic and there is always a feeling of completion and resolve, which makes me a fan of his music.

With Gorecki I listened objectively and did not compare this piece
to any thing else and found it original and atmospheric.
It was definitely in need of more musical dynamics with in the passages.

But now I am going to have to listen to this again ... you got me thinking.

Nighttfly, you've unintentionally identified why I don't like this piece. They keyword in your post is "atmospheric". I guess I prefer music that has dynamic, that has flavor, that has life. Whether it's just lovely, lively or larger-than-life. I don't think minimalist fits anywhere above.

I am gonna need a lot of Putumayo to recuperate

P.S. How can you label something as "original" while simultaneously "not comparing it to anything else"?

[Nightfly]

Originally Posted by vikulenka

Nighttfly, you've unintentionally identified why I don't like this piece. They keyword in your post is "atmospheric". I guess I prefer music that has dynamic, that has flavor, that has life. Whether it's just lovely, lively or larger-than-life. I don't think minimalist fits anywhere above.

I am gonna need a lot of Putumayo to recuperate

P.S. How can you label something as "original" while simultaneously "not comparing it to anything else"?

You are absolutely right, I was comparing him to Part and all other Modern composers...I must say I am not totally sold but hear his worth.

[vikulenka]

Originally Posted by Nightfly

[/b]

You are absolutely right, I was comparing him to Part and all other Modern composers...I must say I am not totally sold but hear his worth.

I believe out views are starting to converge

....


Queue Squash!

[squash54]

Originally Posted by vikulenka

I believe out views are starting to converge

....


Queue Squash!

I am pleased both of you have given this piece a fair appraisal before deciding it probably is not your cup of tea. Best to move on and maybe give it another listen in twelve months. Also, researching the origins of the text to the songs may help resolve some of the less than positive feelings you have about this work. For example, the song in the second movement is based on a prayer that an 18 year old girl scrawled onto the wall of her Gestapo prison cell. A tiny fragment of personal hoplessness and sorrow in the context of a massive and impersonal human tragedy.
However, one of the comments I totally disagree with is that it does not come to any sort of final resolution. To my ears it concludes with the same level of hope and redemption as that found in the soaring conclusion to Faust's superb opera "Mephistopheles".
My engagement with the works of Mahler and Britten has also been a long (and still developing) affair. Like Gorecki, I find that I have to really listen to the music and do so at a time when I have no other distractions (a completely clear mind and nothing going on around me).
Still, each to his own. It would be a boring old world if we all liked Mika

[vikulenka]

Originally Posted by squash54

I am pleased both of you have given this piece a fair appraisal before deciding it probably is not your cup of tea. Best to move on and maybe give it another listen in twelve months. Also, researching the origins of the text to the songs may help resolve some of the less than positive feelings you have about this work. For example, the song in the second movement is based on a prayer that an 18 year old girl scrawled onto the wall of her Gestapo prison cell. A tiny fragment of personal hoplessness and sorrow in the context of a massive and impersonal human tragedy.
However, one of the comments I totally disagree with is that it does not come to any sort of final resolution. To my ears it concludes with the same level of hope and redemption as that found in the soaring conclusion to Faust's superb opera "Mephistopheles".
My engagement with the works of Mahler and Britten has also been a long (and still developing) affair. Like Gorecki, I find that I have to really listen to the music and do so at a time when I have no other distractions (a completely clear mind and nothing going on around me).
Still, each to his own. It would be a boring old world if we all liked Mika

Squash, you're right. All in good time, I will give this piece another listen. Might not be for some time.

I would like to commend you on finding a way to work Britten, Gorecki, and Mika all into the same paragraph without batting an eye lid Good job!

[squash54]

Originally Posted by vikulenka

Squash, you're right. All in good time, I will give this piece another listen. Might not be for some time.

I would like to commend you on finding a way to work Britten, Gorecki, and Mika all into the same paragraph without batting an eye lid Good job!

That's nothing compared to my invention of a new opera by a bloke named 'Faust' Of couse, I should have said "Gounod's superb opera, Faust" - Also, I should do my posting BEFORE removing the cork from a superb bottle of cabernet

[vikulenka]

Originally Posted by squash54

That's nothing compared to my invention of a new opera by a bloke named 'Faust' Of couse, I should have said "Gounod's superb opera, Faust" - Also, I should do my posting BEFORE removing the cork from a superb bottle of cabernet

I was so intently focused on Mika, I had completely overlooked the Faust faux pas! Once again, kudos on that excellent post