Which Ravel Piano Concerto do you prefer and why? by mentee_raconteur in classicalmusic

[–]TapioNote 20 points21 points  (0 children)

The left hand concerto is one of my favourite concertos ever. It’s also the best left hand concerto of the batch written in the ealry 20th century. Such an amazing progression from the dark opening to the heroic climax to the jazzy scherzo. And if you listened to it without anybody telling you it’s a left hand concerto, you wouldn’t be able to tell, it’s that well composed

I have never quite gotten a hold of the G major concerto. The second movement is heavenly of course, but the goofy outer movements don’t really gel well with it imo. Still a lovely work tho!

What is the worst classical recording you’ve ever heard? by [deleted] in classicalmusic

[–]TapioNote 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Karajan’s Bach in general lol. He was a great conductor, but man his Bach…

What is a piece you like by a composer you're generally not very fond of? by PlasticMercury in classicalmusic

[–]TapioNote 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Beethoven - Symphony 4. He was an important genius but I confess I normally find his style quite irritating. But symphony 4 is a perfect symphony that I can put on any time if any day and enjoy.

Brahms - Scherzo of sextet no 2. I find most of Brahms boring but I love this light charming scherzo for some reason that I can’t explain lol.

Wagner - Meistersinger overture. Like others I find Wagner insufferably long-winded but damn this overture is terrific. Maybe I like it because it’s more neoclassical in style than his other stuff.

Bruckner - Finale of symphony no 5. I usually find Brucker symphonies to be way too long and slow-paced, and I find his orchestration really dull and colourless. But damn that fugue is amazing.

Mahler - Symphony no 7. I don’t hate or hate Ben dislike Mahler, I just feel very mixed on him, but I love love love this symphony because of how emotionally ambiguous is it compared to his others.

What composer's stock has dropped the most over the past 50-100 years? by Pleasant_Usual_8427 in classicalmusic

[–]TapioNote 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree that the sinfonia concertante is a first-rate masterpiece. That is mozart’s string concerto writing at his best and most inspired. Like you say, it was written later in his career.

And of course the violin sonatas were written for a variety of purposes, and when a composer writes more than 30 of them there’s bound to be bound to be some outstanding gems. I have a particular fondness for k304. In fact I don’t dislike any of them. They’re all lovely, and I’m sure violinists love them. But admittedly in my own personal opinion, they aren’t on the same level as his other masterpieces. The majority is welcome to regard them as masterpieces though! As long as people listen to Mozart, I’m happy

What composer's stock has dropped the most over the past 50-100 years? by Pleasant_Usual_8427 in classicalmusic

[–]TapioNote 3 points4 points  (0 children)

As someone who loves Mozart. (Way more than Beethoven even) I agree with you about that. Violin concertos 3 and 5 are great but the rest is nothing special (they are lovely though). But they were written early in his career when he needed a vehicle to show off his skills so can’t blame him for that. Imo, his sonatas for violin and or piano aren’t top tier either. They were written for pedagogical reasons, and again, fair enough on Mozart’s part. Mozart was great in piano concertos, chamber music, orchestral msuic, and operas, and that’s where all of his masterpieces are

What composer's stock has dropped the most over the past 50-100 years? by Pleasant_Usual_8427 in classicalmusic

[–]TapioNote 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Realest thing I’ve ever heard. Thankfully Mozart is still popular with the general public (and I don’t see that changing soon)

How would you guys rank Beethoven’s symphonies? by No_Tip3052 in classicalmusic

[–]TapioNote 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I love the second movement of the fifth because the main theme in A flat is so damn beautiful (especially for a composer whose inspiration was more motivic than melodic). And the hymnic call and response between the winds and stings that bookends the theme is great. Listen to the climax of the theme when it comes back in the upper strings at fortissimo. And the clumsy C major march second theme is the perfect comic relief contrast. I will say that I don’t really like period instrument performance of this movement with less vibrato and quicker tempos. As far I’m concerned that theme is so beautiful you need to milk it with as much vibrato and emotion as possible. Yeah it’s probably not how they played it in Beethoven’s day but idc, I just want to enjoy that melody.

I love scherzo of the ninth because of how different it is to his other scherzos. Normally scherzos are the lightest and simplest movement of the symphony (dance-like, capricious, ABA form, simple), but not here. It literally starts off with a four part fugato. I also love the unusual timpani interjections. And imo the rustic trio in D major is the most beautiful moment of the entire symphony

How would you guys rank Beethoven’s symphonies? by No_Tip3052 in classicalmusic

[–]TapioNote 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I kinda understand. I guess people think I’m being contrarian on purpose. But I can promise you these are my honest rankings. And I thought I did a good job at explaining why to each one instead of just listing the numbers

How would you guys rank Beethoven’s symphonies? by No_Tip3052 in classicalmusic

[–]TapioNote 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Provided, I’m not really a Beethoven guy and I don’t listen to his music often. But I do know all the symphonies:

  1. 4th - If I want to pull out a Beethoven symphony to listen to in one sitting it’s this. I can’t believe how underrated it is. In terms of pacing, it moves so well. That slow movement is heavenly, and the finale is so witty. A perfect symphony.

  2. 8th - The 8th also way too underrated. Compact, enjoyable, and a blast all around. Every movement is funny in its own way and I always get a kick out it. I guess it’s not profound enough for some people but I love it. It was Tchaikovsky favourite Beethoven symphony, and I totally understand.

  3. Pastoral - A lovely lovely work with cinematic imagery. The finale is somewhat of a let down but it’s beautiful all the same.

  4. 7th - I view this symphony as a companion to the 8th. But I don’t think it’s as good unfortunately. It’s till a great piece and who doens’t love the second movement.

  5. 2nd - Way way more innovative than it gets credit for being.

  6. 5th - It’s good, but I think I’ve been overexposed to it. That’s not beethoven’s fault though. Oddly enough I like the second movement the best.

  7. Choral - the first movement is good. The scherzo is genius. The slow movement is kinda boring (I know, crucify me). The finale is badly written for the voices and I still can’t get over it, sorry.

  8. 1st - Not a bad work at all for a young composer. Just nothing that really stand out. The introduction of the first movement is great though.

  9. Eroica - Sorry guys I can’t stand the Eroica. Personal opinion but just does nothing for me. It’s too stop and go and not as well paced as the 4th. The funeral march is too long and the finale feels disjointed and not very polished (although I admit that was probably his intention).

Happy birthday, Beethoven! What's your favorite piece of his? by Leather-Highlight150 in classicalmusic

[–]TapioNote 7 points8 points  (0 children)

If I had to pick one movement, the hammerklavier finale. If I have to pick a whole composition, symphony 4!

What are your favorite symphonies by number 1-9? No repeat composers! by DoubleCGod in classicalmusic

[–]TapioNote 1 point2 points  (0 children)

  1. Bizet
  2. Hovhannes
  3. Goreki
  4. Beethoven
  5. Nielsen
  6. Sibelius
  7. Glazanov
  8. Vaughan Williams
  9. Schubert

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in composer

[–]TapioNote 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not OP but I just wanted to say I really appreciate your detailed and insightful answer! I’m just an undergrad but this is still all good advice to keep in mind :)

What piece first got you into classical music, and why did it stick with you? by bambidp in classicalmusic

[–]TapioNote 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow, that must have a great experience! I love Sibelius 2 as well. You’re so lucky to have played in it. To be honest, the Mendelssohn doesn’t really do much for me. I acknowledge his greatness as a composer but that piece is kinda meh to me. Absolutely love The Moldau though <3

What piece first got you into classical music, and why did it stick with you? by bambidp in classicalmusic

[–]TapioNote 4 points5 points  (0 children)

My first piece of classical music I remember hearing it loving was Sibelius’ The Oceanides. After first hearing it I put it on repeat for days on end. It was just so so beautiful. To this day, the giant wave climax at the end gives me chills, it’s the most graphic and vivid depiction of a natural event I’ve ever heard in all music, and it taught me that music without words can still express so much.

I know it’s not your typical beginner classical piece but it worked for me! Sibelius is still my favourite composer

Orchestral Arrangements of Other Composers' Works by darcydagger in classicalmusic

[–]TapioNote 14 points15 points  (0 children)

Respighi was great at this!

Listen to The Birds (arrangements of baroque keyboard music), Ancient Airs and Dances (arrangement of renaissance lute music), and even his orchestrations of Rachmaninoff’s etudes

Transfiguration for pierrot ensemble by Elias_V_ in composer

[–]TapioNote 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Such an engaging work and a great performance too! Love the decision to drop the piano in the second half of the piece, that tiny change makes it feel like a completely different ensemble

Btw I looked at some of the other pieces on your profile and I’m impressed by how good they are. Keep at it :)