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Date: | Thu, 11 Nov 1999 16:36:43 -0600 |
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If I had to name a "big five" they would probably be
Mahler: Das Lied von der Erde
Nineteenth-century romanticism extended into increasingly intricate
20th-century textures
Ives: Symphony #4
Transcendently intricate sound masses moving within the same texture. Many
of these are built on simple and (at one time familiar) songs. Shows how
complexity and simplicity can coexist in the same work. One of music's
most remarkable half-hours.
Hartmann: Symphony #8
Passion, color, and counterpoint all at once. It CAN be done.
Tippett: Symphony #3
A breathtaking achievement. Brilliant instrumental and vocal writing
along with interpenetration of jazz and classical musics. Powerful
expressionism.
Stravinsky: Rite of Spring
Rock-'em, sock-'em WildMan music that blew the socks off all that went
before.
Runners-up:
Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto #2
Intense romanticism in one of its most powerful extensions. Powerfully
expressive virtuosity.
Ravel: Piano Concerto in G
Neo-classicism. Interpenetration of jazz and classical music. Profundity
of happiness. Virtuosity of the soloist and many orchestral instruments.
Nono: Como una ola de fuerza y luz
Powerful expressionism. Electronic sounds integrated into live
performances (even though they are on tape).
Cowell: Aeolian Harp
Poetic rather than trenchant use of "extended techique."
Lutoslawski: Cello Concerto
Great fun involving aleatoricism and over-the-top virtuosity.
Aaron J. Rabushka
as always, allergic to "yes, but..."
http://www.cowtown.net/users/arabushk
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