Tasteless, vulgar and banal music

[tsuji-giri]

I'd nominate Gershwin's 'American in Paris' as one of the worst pieces ever (although I do generally think Gershwin is alright).

[kernelbogey]

Canteloube's Songs of the Auvergne always seem to me saccharine-sweet, and utterly remote from their folk origins, so for me they tick the three boites in this thread.

[Ferretfancy]

OK, so perhaps Gershwin was not at his very best when writing on a large scale, but the best of his songs, like Cole Porter's, will be with us for ever. Try Ella in The Gershwin Songbooks.

[Pianorak]

Cringemaking Bernstein Mass and Chichester Psalms indeed, but West Side Story is great, to wit: R3 Afternoon on 3: 2 Mar 2011:
Leonard Bernstein (arr Eric Crees): Symphonic Dances (West Side Story) Venezuelan Brass Ensemble Thomas Clamor (conductor).

Absolutely brilliant!!

[3rd Viennese School]

I have an idea.
Cut out all the overblown romantic slushy over the top bits of Rachmaninov symphony no.2.
I mean. That stuff is even in the Scherzo!!

Keep all the mysterious and melodramatic bits of mvt 1. The interesting bits of mvt 2. Play just the tune of mvt 3 but not the rest of it.
And, as ever, a new finale.

Sell all the overblown bits to classic FM, and they can play it all day long!


3VS

[Tapiola]

Cringemaking Bernstein Mass and Chichester Psalms indeed

How could I have forgotten about Chichester Sodding Psalms? So bad it's bad. Really puts my teeth on edge

[Auferstehen2]

The number of top-quality composers on this particular thread who seem able at a moment’s notice to churn out one masterpiece after another, adored by all and sundry, is simply staggering.

Peace and love to all,

Mario

[Uncle Monty]

How could I have forgotten about Chichester Sodding Psalms? So bad it's bad. Really puts my teeth on edge

I always feel bad moaning about the Chichester Psalms, as it's my home town, but in all honesty, yes, I dislike them too

[Flosshilde]

Flosshilde, if I may be so bold...

I think I love you.



Mario

Mario, I'd move to Malta like a shot, but you might have a surprise at what sort of watery nymph you've landed

[Suffolkcoastal]

I'll have to stick up for the Chichester Psalms as I like the work as I do a lot of Bernstein. I do however join the ranks of those who don't like the Turangalila symphony, I don't particularly find it vulgar, tasteless and banal, just tedious. Messiaen is a bit of a hit and miss composer for me, some works I really enjoy others put me to sleep. It might surprise some that I don't find Mahler's music necessarily vulgar, tasteless or banal, rather long-winded, boring, tedious and egocentric (perhaps that should be the title of another thread!). But as I said on another thread, not every work composed even by great/well known composer is necessarily a masterpiece and all composers are quite capable of serious lapses (I'll say that even of composers whose music I adore).

[Auferstehen2]

Mario, I'd move to Malta like a shot, but you might have a surprise at what sort of watery nymph you've landed

[Don Petter]

I was going to add this afternoon's Liszt Faust Symphony, after an innocent ear session (we got back in the car after the start), but on reflection I don't think it's tasteless or vulgar - just banal.

[burning dog]

What about tasteful, genteel but banal music?

[Ferretfancy]

"Tasteful, genteel but banal music" English usually, with oboe and strings, and often based on Weelkes or Tallis.

[StephenO]

Cringemaking Bernstein Mass

And I thought it was just me who couldn't stand it! As I do actually like the Chichester Psalms I bought Marin Alsop's recording of the Mass when it was released to rave reviews from the critics. Ever since I've wondered whether it was my ears or my musical taste that was at fault. I'm glad to know it's neither. A truly dire piece.