I've been listening for about 45 years, and there are four works on this list I've never heard - so I'm definitely checking them out. V-W, Ginastera, Englund, and Tippett. I'm surprised, actually, that I've never heard V-W and Tippett in particular - but nobody programs them, I guess - so I was never aware of them. So, these lists aren't only useful for beginners. I think when you're a classical music fan, you become a perennial beginner - there's lots and lots of music I don't know, and there's always something else to learn about.
Saw ELP live- when Keith announced they would do "Pictures" everybody went crazy except drunk guy behind me who yelled " what the f*k is Pictures At An Exhibition?" Have laughed at that ever since. And my ears still ring 50 years later!
To all you flute players out there, and those who are generally curious, the lovely tune in the 2nd movement of the Barber Concerto also exist in an arrangement by the composer for flute and piano. It has shown up on various "American Music for Flute" type-collections and works quite well as a shorter piece, although it's more elaborately worked out in the Concerto.
How on earth does Dave know this stuff ? I take my hat off. Had never heard of Einar Englund but have spent a wonderful hour listening to some extracts , including Concerto for 12 Cellos. Thanks for recommending this composer.
When I was young, I only listened to rock, and it was Emerson, Lake & Palmer who opened the door to Classical Music for me (not surprising, my first classic albums were Mussorgsky and Ginastera)
I'm very surprised you chose Prokofiev 3 over 2 since you've said in the past 2 is better. But if this is a list for beginners, 3 is definitely more accessible. I'm also very happy to see Ginastera on there. I think Bartok 3 is underrated and way more accessible but can't fault you for choosing 2 as it's much more idiomatic, not to mention completely written by Bartok while 3 is not. I'm also happy to see two composers I've never heard of in Englund and Tippett. Thanks for giving something to look forward to!
Love your enthusiasm. Great list! I will always be grateful to you for introducing me to the Tippet piano concerto, looking forward to hearing the Englund one.
I’m a trained pianist and super classical fan, I have 20 recordings of this concerto and 30 of that concerto, etc etc. There are 4 (FOUR!!!!) on this list I’ve never heard! And the ones I know I approve, glad you picked Shostakovich 2 over his trumpet one, maybe you mention why in the vid (I had to comment before even watching) but the 2nd concerto is supremely underrated. Dave you put out so many vids and when I have time to watch I love the ones I watch. Keep up the great work. Edit sorry I broke rule 3
Also I love the Ravel not just as a concerto, I think it is one of Ravels masterpieces. What is your opinion of the Britten diversions? For left handed concerti it IMO is second best after the Ravel.
This is a great list, but I wish you'd give a suggestion or two for which performances to seek out. I mean for things like the Rachmaninoff and the Prokofiev there are a million recordings and most are pretty great. But the Vaughan Williams, Barber, Ginastera and others? I'd hate to think one of these pieces stunk when it was really just the recording.
EL&P reference! You are truly a musical renaissance man! Thanks for bringing up Williams and Barber, since I'm just coming around to their orchestral works but know nothing about their PC's. Any recordings you'd recommend for those?
Have a look at reviews on ClassicsToday.com. You'll find everything you need there. I've also done videos including both works on this channel, which you can find in the composer playlists.
I've been listening for about 45 years, and there are four works on this list I've never heard - so I'm definitely checking them out. V-W, Ginastera, Englund, and Tippett. I'm surprised, actually, that I've never heard V-W and Tippett in particular - but nobody programs them, I guess - so I was never aware of them. So, these lists aren't only useful for beginners. I think when you're a classical music fan, you become a perennial beginner - there's lots and lots of music I don't know, and there's always something else to learn about.
Very true and well said!
Woo-wee. Helluva list. The right balance of better known and lesser-known.
The Barber Concerto is brilliant. I listened to the Browning/Szell version. Incredible music. And the Einar Englund is also a great find, new to me.
Saw ELP live- when Keith announced they would do "Pictures" everybody went crazy except drunk guy behind me who yelled " what the f*k is Pictures At An Exhibition?" Have laughed at that ever since. And my ears still ring 50 years later!
To all you flute players out there, and those who are generally curious, the lovely tune in the 2nd movement of the Barber Concerto also exist in an arrangement by the composer for flute and piano. It has shown up on various "American Music for Flute" type-collections and works quite well as a shorter piece, although it's more elaborately worked out in the Concerto.
How on earth does Dave know this stuff ? I take my hat off. Had never heard of Einar Englund but have spent a wonderful hour listening to some extracts , including Concerto for 12 Cellos. Thanks for recommending this composer.
Yay! Love seeing my love of prog rock and my love of classical meet=)
When I was young, I only listened to rock, and it was Emerson, Lake & Palmer who opened the door to Classical Music for me (not surprising, my first classic albums were Mussorgsky and Ginastera)
By the way, I would like to know your opinion about Keith Emerson's Piano Concerto...
Same. Add to that list Copland and Prokofiev for me, both of whom were introduced to me by ELP. Prog Rock was my gateway drug.
You're absolutely right! Where has the Englund been hiding all my life?? I'm listening to it right now and it's FABulous!! Thank you!
Thanks for listening!
I'm very surprised you chose Prokofiev 3 over 2 since you've said in the past 2 is better. But if this is a list for beginners, 3 is definitely more accessible. I'm also very happy to see Ginastera on there. I think Bartok 3 is underrated and way more accessible but can't fault you for choosing 2 as it's much more idiomatic, not to mention completely written by Bartok while 3 is not. I'm also happy to see two composers I've never heard of in Englund and Tippett. Thanks for giving something to look forward to!
Love your enthusiasm. Great list! I will always be grateful to you for introducing me to the Tippet piano concerto, looking forward to hearing the Englund one.
I’m a trained pianist and super classical fan, I have 20 recordings of this concerto and 30 of that concerto, etc etc. There are 4 (FOUR!!!!) on this list I’ve never heard! And the ones I know I approve, glad you picked Shostakovich 2 over his trumpet one, maybe you mention why in the vid (I had to comment before even watching) but the 2nd concerto is supremely underrated.
Dave you put out so many vids and when I have time to watch I love the ones I watch. Keep up the great work. Edit sorry I broke rule 3
No problem! I mentioned the other one. Thanks.
Also I love the Ravel not just as a concerto, I think it is one of Ravels masterpieces. What is your opinion of the Britten diversions? For left handed concerti it IMO is second best after the Ravel.
I think it's a terrific piece, although I don't rank pieces like that. It's wonderful.
Great list. Ginastera reminds me of a favorite, the Variaciones Concertantes. So, how about a list of Variations for beginners?
You mean like this? ruclips.net/video/oEvoHypTc2U/видео.html (That's why God invented playlists for you to check)! ;)
This is a great list, but I wish you'd give a suggestion or two for which performances to seek out. I mean for things like the Rachmaninoff and the Prokofiev there are a million recordings and most are pretty great. But the Vaughan Williams, Barber, Ginastera and others? I'd hate to think one of these pieces stunk when it was really just the recording.
Go to ClassicsToday.com and check out the reviews! That's why I made them, and that's what it's there for!
EL&P reference! You are truly a musical renaissance man! Thanks for bringing up Williams and Barber, since I'm just coming around to their orchestral works but know nothing about their PC's. Any recordings you'd recommend for those?
Have a look at reviews on ClassicsToday.com. You'll find everything you need there. I've also done videos including both works on this channel, which you can find in the composer playlists.