I've been trying to become more familiar with some of Glière's chamber music - in particular the string octet Op. 5. There don't seem to be many recordings, and although there are a few YouTube videos they represent "brave efforts" rather than performances one would wish to listen to over and over. Are there any recommendations for good recorded performances? Some other works by Glière may also be of interest - the sextets for example. Could of course be another blind alley in terms of exploring a relatively little known composer.
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I'm afraid Glière's chamber works still are a black spot for me - Terra incognitaOriginally posted by Dave2002 View Post -
There is an opportunity to hear the Op. 5 octet live tonight in Claygate - near Surbiton - accessible from the London area.
It will be played by the Kammerphilharmonie Europa. I suspect it will be a much better performance than those on YouTube.
A previous concert at the same venue had some rather pleasant duets by Reinhold Glière.
If, as I expect, the Kammerphilharmonie are on a tour of the UK, there may be other opportunities around the country in the near future.
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I suspect that the Berlin Philharmonic Octet version is the one (perhaps the only one?) to go for. The ensemble last night was definitely much more impressive than the youTube performers, and I almost got to like the Octet, though it is a bit long winded. I'd now like to hear the prize winnining sextet.
The Kammerphilharmnie Europa are performing again today in London before returning to Cologne. Definitely worth checking out if you've nothing else planned. Kyrill Gusarov is a stunning trumpeter.
PS the Kammerphilharmonie is much reduced today, so not doing the same pieces, and not with Kyrill Gusarov. Watch out for them next time they tour the UK - http://conwayhall.org.uk/sunday-concerts-2Comment
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It appears that the only really recommended (perhaps the only!) CD of the octet, coupled with the Op. 11 sextet is the one on DG (Dabringhaus und Grimm) with the Berlin Philharmonic Octet. http://www.theguardian.com/music/200...pera.shopping2
The CD is available at a very high price from US sources, amongst others, and also even the used prices are high. It is, however, available as an iTunes download for £6.32 - and the sound quality is acceptably good. The playing is certainly good. I made an exception re not buying downloads for this, as there did not seem to be any other viable and reasonably affordable alternatives.
The Op. 11 sextet is not, it seems, the one which won Glière the Glinka prize. That was his Op. 1 from 1898.
I am not aware of any CD availability for the other sextets by this composer. String quartets 1-3 are on Spotify. There have been recordings of all 4 quartets, but they may not all be currently available.
Despite the rather negative recommendation from the Guardian, I think this music is worth hearing, and the performances are good, so give the music a chance (perhaps the best one) to shine. I'm not claiming that one should listen to Glière's music in preference to Beethoven, Haydn, Mozart etc., but it's certainly worth a little look around. The Kammerphilharmonie, when they have this on their menu are also worth hearing live.
There are worse ways to spend £6.32.Comment
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Black spot or blind spot Roehre?Originally posted by Roehre View PostI keep hitting the Escape key, but I'm still here!Comment
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Not a composer I know but heard his Concerto for Coloratura Soprano Op 82 on Essential Classics and was rather impressed .....Comment
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