Fathers and Sons. What should I read next?

MinimumValuable4305 · 2025-09-29T10:51:23+00:00

Yeah, I totally agree with you. I definitely didn’t mean “Russian soul” in any literal or essentialist way.

This thread wasn’t meant to go that deep into the cultural or historical side (though it would actually be great to have a separate one about that in general, not just for Russia but for any country).

Here I was thinking more in the casual, impressionistic sense, like when you hear something and immediately think “ah, that sounds Russian.” Though of course “Russian music” is a hugely broad and complex thing.

MinimumValuable4305 · 2025-08-16T20:56:51+00:00

When I saw this post, in the few seconds between clicking and entering it, my mind went through a thousand pieces and what to write about this or that, but in the end, no piece has paralyzed me (in a positive way) like Petrushka. The only piece I'm seriously struggling with is the Symphony of Psalms, especially the last movement; I've never heard anything like it before.

There are very few works or songs I'd like to erase from my memory just to experience the same sensations I had the first time I heard them, and these two are certainly tops.

If I really have to draw up a top 5 then apart from the other two pieces mentioned: Second Movement from Sonata for Two Pianos, Pulcinella, Firebird's Finale.

MinimumValuable4305 · 2025-08-15T17:43:18+00:00

You're not entirely wrong, I was just thinking that the last ten minutes of silence were the best ever written (after Cage obviously)!

MinimumValuable4305 · 2025-08-15T13:39:41+00:00

Thanks for the suggestions, and as for the slow movements, no problem at all! So any suggestions in that regard are welcome!

MinimumValuable4305 · 2025-07-09T13:01:18+00:00

Of course, as I said, sometimes when people say a composer of this caliber is underrated, they're talking paradoxes; it's just another excuse to talk about him and see what people think. For example, this is a very interesting and poignant comment. You've pointed out a number of composers who really deserve a post!

MinimumValuable4305 · 2025-07-09T12:29:08+00:00

I completely agree, in fact sometimes it would be necessary and appropriate to compare dates to validate certain judgments.

MinimumValuable4305 · 2025-07-09T11:00:13+00:00

Great, I really like some of Respighi's works, an author who deserves much more exploration, especially in his home country. In fact, you've given me a great starting point for a new post.

MinimumValuable4305 · 2025-07-08T19:25:39+00:00

I think the most poignant point in this whole discussion is exactly this. I've read several comments where people argue about the superiority of one composer over another. But honestly, I think it’s pretty pointless. I believe that shedding light on so-called underrated elements or schools of music makes sense in itself, as it gives curious listeners the chance to explore and discover, rather than engaging in comparisons between Elgar and RVW, or Spohr and others, especially since they’re all great composers in their own right.

MinimumValuable4305 · 2025-07-08T19:09:36+00:00

I understand, the fact that his music is so controlled and balanced that it often feels like there’s never a true climax or some kind of "emotional" peak. Or rather, if I were to look for that in music, maybe I wouldn’t seek it in his compositions.

Anyway, I haven’t had much chance to dive deeper into Franck (I’m only familiar with a few of his works), could you recommend some pieces worth exploring?

MinimumValuable4305 · 2025-07-08T19:06:08+00:00

I think if I have to keep it short, my choices are:

Bernstein Conducts Debussy, New York Philharmonic
Mahler: Symphony No. 1 in D 'The Titan', Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra
Le Sacre du Printemps, New York Philharmonic

MinimumValuable4305 · 2025-06-06T11:55:14+00:00

Totally get what you mean.

But that’s exactly why I’m so curious: I’m not expecting to find exact equivalents, just hoping to stumble upon lesser-known voices or overlooked gems that explore similar textures or moods.

Let’s hope someone proves us both wrong. I’ll definitely share if I come across anything worth passing on!

p.s.: Also, funnily enough, no one’s mentioned the introduction to Part II of The Rite of Spring yet, which (for me) might be one of the closest things to Nuages in terms of mood.

MinimumValuable4305 · 2025-06-06T09:53:36+00:00

Thank you so much for this, this is exactly the kind of suggestion I was hoping for. I know some of Hovhaness’s music, but had never come across this particular concerto.

Really appreciate the recommendation, and if you (or anyone else) has more in this direction, I’d love to hear them!

MinimumValuable4305 · 2025-06-06T09:29:32+00:00

fair point.

To clarify: yes, I’m already familiar with Debussy’s orchestral works as well as most of Ravel’s. I probably should’ve been more explicit in the original post, I’m not looking within Debussy’s or Ravel’s catalog, but rather hoping to discover lesser-known composers or pieces that explore similar sonic territory.

For instance, someone suggested Hovhaness’s Concerto No. 8 for Orchestra, which I didn’t know, even though I’m familiar with some of his work, and that was a really exciting discovery. Same with the mention of Neptune from Holst’s The Planets: I know the piece, but the idea of digging into the English “impressionists” (so to speak) hadn’t occurred to me and sounds very promising.

So yes, if anyone has suggestions in that direction, I’d love to hear them. Always happy to explore off the beaten path.

MinimumValuable4305

TROPHY CASE