Extremely annoying pieces of classical music

[rauschwerk]

I'm afraid I largely agree on the Britten Spring Symphony, I find it amongst his least inspired works, rather cold and almost manufactured, a precursor to a number of similarly 'cold' works from the 1960's.

I love it to death, ever since hearing Britten conduct it at his 50th birthday Prom. Singing it for the first time was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my whole life!

[Serial_Apologist]

I'm afraid I largely agree on the Britten Spring Symphony, I find it amongst his least inspired works, rather cold and almost manufactured, a precursor to a number of similarly 'cold' works from the 1960's.

[Serial_Apologist]

I love it to death, ever since hearing Britten conduct it at his 50th birthday Prom. Singing it for the first time was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my whole life!

Britten's music certainly divides opinion. I can't think of many who do more so. Liszt, Berlioz, poor Franck, Bruckner, Tchaikovsky, Scriabin, Stockhausen, possibly.

[french frank]

A true stinker!

And is that the verdict of you all?

I'd give Géza Anda the time of day ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rvCICYO2Uk

[teamsaint]

Hello Barbirollians & Ferretfancy,

I am in full accord Britten's Spring Symphony leaves me cold. Maybe hearing it performed in concert would change my view.

The Franck Symphonic Variations and Brahms Variations on a Theme by Haydn don’t do anything for me either. Generally I have a very wide interest in music but in truth for some reason most sets of variations leave me cold.

I would tend to agree with this , as a generalisation.

I don't know the Franck Symphonic Variations, and am currently giving FF's preferred version a spin......

[french frank]

and am currently giving FF's preferred version a spin......

Not exactly my preferred version - I just scuttled to YouTube to see what I could find of this 'unspeakable' piece of music.

[Alison]

I was listening to Barenboims new year Vienna concert the other day. I'd forgotten what an irritating 'track' the Delibes Pizzicato is.

[Ferretfancy]

Porr old Franck ! I really cannot see why this rather amiable piece attracts such derision. I enjoy it in the same way that I enjoy D'Indy's Symphony on a French Mountain Song, or Dohnany's Nursery Variations.

I sometimes feel that the search for significance exemplified by the music of Mahler and Shostakovich has meant that audiences at concerts no longer have the chance to hear shorter pieces simply designed to please. Now, if you want to cite an almost completely worthless composer, how about Khachaturyan ?

[Alison]

I really like the Franck too! A beautifully crafted piece.

[edashtav]

I sometimes feel that the search for significance exemplified by the music of Mahler and Shostakovich has meant that audiences at concerts no longer have the chance to hear shorter pieces simply designed to please. Now, if you want to cite an almost completely worthless composer, how about Khachaturyan ?

Since it's Sunday and I'm feeling merciful, may I ask that you reprieve just one of Aram's piece: Symphony no 2 "The Bell"? I bought a version on Decca with AK conducting the VPO when I was young and foolish, and loved "the sound" of it. It's not great music and it fails utterly to plumb the depths it tries to depict but it's slick and chromium-plated. I'll join in happily, ff, as you consign the rest of AK's music to oblivion

[edashtav]

I really like the Franck too! A beautifully crafted piece.

I heard Clifford Curzon playing the piece live when I was young, and I was enchanted. I dare not return to the work lest I destroy happy memories.

[tigajen]

I really like the Franck too! A beautifully crafted piece.

Me too,especially the Curzon performance. Despite the 'Get your hair cut ' last variation

[Ferretfancy]

Since it's Sunday and I'm feeling merciful, may I ask that you reprieve just one of Aram's piece: Symphony no 2 "The Bell"? I bought a version on Decca with AK conducting the VPO when I was young and foolish, and loved "the sound" of it. It's not great music and it fails utterly to plumb the depths it tries to depict but it's slick and chromium-plated. I'll join in happily, ff, as you consign the rest of AK's music to oblivion

I'll try to be merciful too, and admit that I do rather enjoy the VPO recording of Gayaneh with the composer conducting, partly for the spectacular sound. William Kapell's famous old recording of the Piano Concerto is quite something, although the music is still terrible!

[Richard Tarleton]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpqYU3Nzbts

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNH3EL5CxYU

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

I'll try to be merciful too, and admit that I do rather enjoy the VPO recording of Gayaneh with the composer conducting, partly for the spectacular sound. William Kapell's famous old recording of the Piano Concerto is quite something, although the music is still terrible!

Personally, I don't think the music is terrible at all. Composers are still allowed to write tunes.