I just don't like the noise it makes.... (those 'blind spot' pieces)

[Lento]

Once again I have listened to Sibelius 7 (Radio 3 BBCNOW Sondergard) and once again have failed to connect to this music in any meaningful way. I wonder which pieces others would nominate as their "musical blind spots", and whether the elliptical late Sibelius keeps cropping up!

[pastoralguy]

I have to say that Sibelius 7 is one of my favourite works, full stop. But I know what you mean.

My 'blind spot' is Bruckner's 8th symphony. For me, it's the most tedious work ever composed and yet I love 7 and 9. I've heard very fine performances lived and still it has bored me to tears. My loss.

[DracoM]

A real blind spot for me is Elgar, particularly his choral pieces. I know, I know.............but....

[edashtav]

I have to say that Sibelius 7 is one of my favourite works, full stop. But I know what you mean.

I'm with you, pastoralguy, but I'd add one thought: Sib.#7 is very difficult to conduct, IMHO; the proportion of "successful" performances that I've encountered has been shockingly low - perhaps only 1 in 3 have satisfed me. Some have left me angry and upset. If Lento has endured some of the shockers that I've sat through ...

[MrGongGong]

A real blind spot for me is Elgar, particularly his choral pieces. I know, I know.............but....

I have no idea why ?


(Though the first Symphony is a work of genius IMV)

[gedsmk]

what about "blind spot" performers? i.e. people whom many others regard as being at the top of their profession but who just do nothing for me?
Top of my list would be Ian Bostridge.

[EdgeleyRob]

Anything by Sibelius,I've given up wondering why,but not given up trying.

[Black Swan]

Really interesting, we all have our favorites and blind spots. I am a Sibelius fan, however, I really do not like any work of Shostakovich. This has been a long standing issue for me but am resolved to leave his work to those who love it.

[Barbirollians]

I wasn't impressed by that performance - it seemed to have no idea where it was going . I remain immensely fond of the Philharmonia/Ashkenazy in this work.

[Bryn]

... the first Symphony is a work of genius IMV ...

Quite. For me it is his highest achievement. I tend towards DracoM's reaction to the choral works, especially the dreaded DoG.

[MrGongGong]

Quite. For me it is his highest achievement. I tend towards DracoM's reaction to the choral works, especially the dreaded DoG.

[BBMmk2]

Rachmaninov's isle of the Dead, is a blind spot and a lot of Mozart, too. I think, especially with Mozart, imo, it's who is performing, the style and approach.

[Flay]

Rachmaninov's isle of the Dead

Yes, it starts well but is about 15 minutes too long!

[Hornspieler]

Once again I have listened to Sibelius 7 (Radio 3 BBCNOW Sondergard) and once again have failed to connect to this music in any meaningful way. I wonder which pieces others would nominate as their "musical blind spots", and whether the elliptical late Sibelius keeps cropping up!

Not my favourite either. It always seems to me that no sooner has it got going and started to develop its themes that it stops. I've always felt "Why didn't he write another three movements?"

Two "Unfinished" symphonies in one programme. I will be listening to it later in the hope that my long-held views on Sibelius' 7th are, perhaps, a little old-fashioned.

Hs

[gradus]

The Bartered Bride, Bellini and Donizetti. Odd really because I like opera other than the aforementioned. With B and D its the high wire work by sopranos and the occasional yelping tenor that riles.