Koopakidshyguy's Concertos [Archive] - Final Fantasy Shrine Forums

KKSG

06-07-2012, 02:35 AM

KKSG

06-07-2012, 06:16 PM

1. "Yellowstone" Violin Concerto - Jett Hitt
Soloist: Frantisek Novotny
Orchestra: Slovak Radio Orchestra, conducted by Kirk Trevor
Jellystone.zip (http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?kkyn61h49e62lpd)

Imagine if Aaron Copland had a baby with John Williams...

That's it. The fact that you all aren't rushing to download this already blows my mind. This piece has that on-the-trail staring-off-into-the middle distance beauty of a Copland piece, combined with the orchestral scope and full-heartedness of a Williams score. As the violin trots along, evoking themes both beautifully uplifting and painfully lonely, the orchestral backing evokes a wide variety of environments, from peaceful plains, to majestic mountains, and what is quite possibly an extended standoff with a rattlesnake. This is the kind of piece you play as you're hiking, where you cry a single beautiful man-tear as you look around yourself and marvel at how wonderful it all is.

marinus

06-07-2012, 06:27 PM

KKSG

06-07-2012, 09:40 PM

Thank You! Always very nice to here other great composers. Today I listend to Boris Tchaikovsky (no relation) and Mieczyslaw Weinberg. Very underrated, very well written. So Jett Hitt (whom I never heard of before) will be a nice addition.

Speak o' the devil! The Weinberg Violin Concerto may be one of the next uploads (if I can find my good recording of it)!

---------- Post added at 03:40 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:38 PM ----------

2. "Ghost Opera" Pipa Concerto - Tan Dun
Soloist: Wu Man
Orchestra: Moscow Soloists
HI-YAH!.zip (http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?eb2tb1rhjzcmvmi)

Ever been to P.F. Chang's? You know the traditional Chinese music they are always playing? This concerto is what would happen if they caught fire, complete with yelps of pain (you think I'm kidding? Listen to it!), a breakneck tempo, a hell of a lot of glissando, and some insanely badass pipa playing. Tan Dun may not necessarily be a neglected composer, but this concerto is a neglected masterpiece. If you haven't karate chopped the air in front of you at some point by the time it's over, you can have your money back!

marinus

06-08-2012, 08:18 AM

I am not sure Pipa's gonna be my favorite instrument but I'll listen. Thanks!

KKSG

06-08-2012, 10:03 PM

3. Mandolin Concerto - Avner Dorman
Soloist: Avi Avital
Orchestra: Metropolis Ensemble, conducted by Andrew Cyr
The Magnificent Mandolin.zip (http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?767kvann7vv7fx0)

This ain't your grandpa's mandolin concerto. This concerto is a fiery dance through a collapsing Taj Majal, with the mandolinist being your guide through both the carnage and the rubble (maybe it's just something about destruction that gets me going, I dunno). From the serenely introspective solo mandolin sequences to the aforementioned fiery dance of a second movement, this concerto hits that perfect stride between beautiful and awesome. The beat is jazzy, the melody is Arabic, the mandolin playing is virtuousic, and the whole is sublime.

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4. Piccolo Concerto - Avner Dorman
Soloist: Mindy Kaufman
Orchestra: Metropolis Ensemble, conducted by Andrew Cyr
King Piccolo.zip (http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?d14lni8iwpthgby)

This ain't your grandma's piccolo concerto. This concerto is what would happen if Ron Burgundy's jazz flute playing left a visiting symphony orchestra in a jazzy trance, filled with foot-tapping grooves, head-bumping bass lines, and fist pumpingly awesome piccolo playing. The first movement is labeled "Allegro - groovy, serious, and dramatic". If there was one word for this concerto, it would all be held in that one "groovy". I don't know who Dorman managed to hypnotize to get this done, but it paid off, big time.

El Cid

06-23-2012, 01:29 AM

Thanks for posting. I would appreciate information about the recordings (such as orchestra, conductor, performer, date), assuming you have it.

KKSG

06-29-2012, 06:59 PM

Thanks for posting. I would appreciate information about the recordings (such as orchestra, conductor, performer, date), assuming you have it.
For most of these I just have the files, so I'm afraid I don't have much information. However, these are all world premiere recordings, unless otherwise dictated, so a simple google search will give you what you need. Nonetheless, I can't expect to make you all to go digging around for these obscurities, so if I find performance details, I will try to include them.

---------- Post added at 12:59 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:19 PM ----------

5. "Metamorphosen" Violin Concerto No. 2 - Krzyztof Penderecki
Soloist: Anne-Sophie Mutter
Orchestra: London Symphony Orchestra
MWA-HA-HA.zip (http://www.mediafire.com/download/45powl54581ml6w/MWA-HA-HA.zip)

Penderecki is a well known name, but this is thanks to one very specific composition. However, while one can assume of most composers that all their music will sound somewhat similar, with Penderecki, we have a wide variety of anguished tones. St. Luke's Passion is dismal, Threnody is crazed mindless terror, and his second violin concerto, "Metamorphosen", is filled with brooding and awestruck horror. Think "Night on Bald Mountain" with the devil as the violin and the orchestra as those weird imp thingies. Oh, and it never lets up. This doesn't end in a peaceful receding as the morning arrives, where the Angelus bell tolls and a warm chord tells you it will all be all right. In Penderecki's soundscape, there is only night, and what a night it is.

radliff

06-30-2012, 07:10 AM

thank you, these sound quite interesting

radliff

07-01-2012, 08:11 PM

checked yellowstone
well, seemed rather 'kovsky and dvorak than copeland and williams, but still has a nice first movement, though the second was a little too kitsch for me .. i recovered with goldsmith/basic instinct

here's the best info on the disc there seems to be on their pages, which are a little makeshift, if pleasant to look at
Yellowstone for Violin and Orchestra, Jett Hitt, Music, National Park (http://www.yellowstonewilderness.com/eng/composers/jetthitt/recordings/yellowstonerecording.html)

KKSG

07-02-2012, 01:43 AM

checked yellowstone
well, seemed rather 'kovsky and dvorak than copeland and williams, but still has a nice first movement, though the second was a little too kitsch for me .. i recovered with goldsmith/basic instinct

Well, on a forum section dedicated to both film and classical music, they felt like appropriate names to invoke, but you are on to something with the comparison to Dvorak. And yes, the second movement does overstay its welcome a fair bit, but name one piece of music that doesn't have that one section where the quality level sinks for a while and you wonder when the vivacity and charm of the piece will kick back in, for which I personally find the third movement makes a splendid return to form.

If kitschy stuff is your turn-off, might I suggest the Penderecki Concerto? There, kitschiness will be the least of your worries... ;)

Realizm

07-02-2012, 02:42 AM

Gracias!

radliff

07-02-2012, 05:24 AM

but name one piece of music that doesn't have that one section where the quality level sinks for a while and you wonder when the vivacity and charm of the piece will kick back in
that's an easy one: the flight of the bumblebee :-)

If kitschy stuff is your turn-off, might I suggest the Penderecki Concerto? There, kitschiness will be the least of your worries... ;)
you're right, it's among his most interesting.

I wonder about karate kid dun, are these screams traditional? I do not know them from what little I know of 'classical' chinese or contemporary music.

KKSG

07-02-2012, 05:55 AM

6. "Memo Flora" Piano Concerto - Takashi Yoshimatsu
Soloist: Kyoko Tabe
Orchestra: Manchester Camerata, conducted by Sachio Fujioka
Goodbye, my cherry blossom.zip (http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?pum6a4e6d1gxdto)

Most concertos play out like battles between the soloist and the orchestra, as themes are passed between the warring parties, each bent on overpowering the other, until either an obligatory Adante begins for the soloist to rest their battered fingers or a finale draws the two together in a spellbinding resolution. "Memo Flora" is something quite different than that. It doesn't have quite the drama the concerto form is known for, but it makes up for it in pure gorgeousness. As the graceful piano line rolls along with a light orchestral backing, one cannot help but reminisce over a past long gone. The tone is simultaneously wistful and joyful, one that can only be described as reminiscent. If you have much good to look back on, you will sigh contentedly, and if you have much pain to look back on, you will cry. This is music neither as art nor entertainment, it is music as a canvas for your soul.

---------- Post added at 11:55 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:37 PM ----------

that's an easy one: the flight of the bumblebee :-)
Actually, you just proved my point XD,
Flight of the Bumblebee is only a short part of Rimsky-Korsakov's "Tale of Tsar Saltan", and it's within the vacuum exactly after this piece where the aforementioned feeling of "where the quality level sinks for a while and you wonder when the vivacity... etc." kicks in and starts to nag at you.

Oh, and the screams are a carry over from his "Ghost Opera" (which is where most of the musical material came from), where the screams were included in the string quartet's score. I remember reading the screaming had something to with some of Tan Dun's village's traditions, but I can't remember anything specific.

Octavi

07-02-2012, 07:38 AM

Thanks!

radliff

07-02-2012, 10:50 AM

6. "Memo Flora" Piano Concerto - Takashi Yoshimatsu
Soloist: Manchester Camerata, conducted by Sachio Fujioka
Orchestra: Kyoko Tabe

I really like these introductory texts by now, and even more so the music that comes with them; I've enjoyed all this you posted. Lucky you, to have such good taste. No need to be shy - but maybe a virtue.

Actually, you just proved my point XD,

Not to be trolling too much, but technically, of course not :-P
But that inspired me to reserve some time for a complete session of Mahler 7 and SW:TPM, both of which I remember as basically flawness.
I do, however, relate to your idea of diminished appeal in virtually all longer compositions, even some Fugues from the "Art of the Fugue" and some Goldberg variations. It always seemed to me like a 'presentation' issue rather than a compositional one, in that the filler material- all too typical in soundtracks- is there because it is needed, not because the composer has so many things to say.
In the end, the question is if there is a complete-sounding unit that can be enjoyed without wading through superfluous material - this is the approach I take with all soundtracks: find out from the complete presentation - ideally the recording sessions - what makes the essence of the composition, and then make a meaningful selection of that.
This is, of course, something many people do, I just wanted to point out I think it does not do disrespect to the composer to cherry-pick this way, so: no need to self-nag too hard.

KKSG

07-03-2012, 06:21 PM

I really like these introductory texts by now, and even more so the music that comes with them; I've enjoyed all this you posted. Lucky you, to have such good taste. No need to be shy - but maybe a virtue.

Not to be trolling too much, but technically, of course not :-P
But that inspired me to reserve some time for a complete session of Mahler 7 and SW:TPM, both of which I remember as basically flawness.
I do, however, relate to your idea of diminished appeal in virtually all longer compositions, even some Fugues from the "Art of the Fugue" and some Goldberg variations. It always seemed to me like a 'presentation' issue rather than a compositional one, in that the filler material- all too typical in soundtracks- is there because it is needed, not because the composer has so many things to say.
In the end, the question is if there is a complete-sounding unit that can be enjoyed without wading through superfluous material - this is the approach I take with all soundtracks: find out from the complete presentation - ideally the recording sessions - what makes the essence of the composition, and then make a meaningful selection of that.
This is, of course, something many people do, I just wanted to point out I think it does not do disrespect to the composer to cherry-pick this way, so: no need to self-nag too hard.

Well, firstly thank you. I'm an avid music collector, so to hear my time hasn't been wasted is always a nice start to my day in my book. Secondly thank you. I'm a stark supporter of all of the pieces I upload, and while giving them the descriptions they deserve is a thankless task I'm glad to take on, a bit of direct appreciation is always welcome.

Thirdly, you have a distinct point in the idea that the problem is a 'presentation' issue, and that if the piece can be a complete-sounding unit, it can succeed, but that doesn't mean it can excel. I've heard many flawless symphonies, but I've never listened more than twice. I've heard many flawed pieces, but I've powered through them and often found they have a distinct hidden depth, one that rewards repeated listening. Shostakovich's 8th quartet is a fundamentally flawed piece, chunks of it go pretty much nowhere, the intro and outro are long, slow, and drawn out. But these become minor details when the piece's strengths, namely the ingenious manipulation of motif and the sharp string writing, come to the fore. Sometimes wavering quality is a necessity, one where sparks of imaginative genius are inter-played with that which is mundane, allowing for the good to shine through with more force, and the whole piece to shine through with a dynamic flourish. Of course at this point, I'm pretty much typing for the sake of typing, so if you want to pretend this was my final salvo in this battle of wits, as opposed to an annoying forum-goer trying to see how big he can make this wall of text, consider yourself victorious. :P

P.S.- The spell checker told me I should replace Shostakovich's with Rostropovich's or Czechoslovakia's... What the what?

radliff

07-06-2012, 05:54 AM

I've heard many flawless symphonies, but I've never listened more than twice. I've heard many flawed pieces, but I've powered through them and often found they have a distinct hidden depth, one that rewards repeated listening.

I see your point, and while I cannot reach that far (yet) to abstract from the visceral joy of, say, the two works I mentioned above and just appreciate music on a purely intelectual level for longer periods of time, it is maybe a point to try and reach some time
But not yet, I also need 'simple' music for running and cycling that I can hear over and over...

Of course at this point, I'm pretty much typing for the sake of typing, so if you want to pretend this was my final salvo in this battle of wits, as opposed to an annoying forum-goer trying to see how big he can make this wall of text, consider yourself victorious. :P

Sorry, so I can choose whether this was "your final salvo" or "an annoying forum-goer"? I think a piece of text has a hard time to constitute a forum-goer, (unless it's a meme) so I think my choice is...
But seriously, thank you for a nice and (at least for me) instructive conversation - I think we've understood each other apart from that last bit ^.^

KKSG

07-13-2012, 06:23 AM

7. "Angel of Dusk" Double Bass Concerto - Einojuhani Rautavaara
Soloist: Esko Lane
Orchestra: Tapiola Sinfonietta, conducted by Jean-Jacques Kantorow
Angel of Ducks.zip (http://www.mediafire.com/download/t9923dn7bbl395k/Angel_of_Ducks.zip)

With under appreciated composers inevitably come under appreciated instruments, and the double bass is the textbook example, as it lies inexorably at the 'base' of a great many pieces, yet can never seem to get under the spotlight. However, it is a difficult instrument to compose a concerto for, since low notes can't be heard over the orchestra and high notes sound nasally and metallic. Rautavarra's solution? Screw the orchestra, the double bass can carry its own weight. And so it does. This isn't just a slightly lowered cello concerto, this is a bass concerto, through and through. When its not taking that nasally, metallic sound and using to its advantage, this concerto is reminding us just how awesome the double bass is. From uniquely layered col legno to dark, rich double stops, from ominous overtones to remarkably nimble jumps, this concerto is always reminding us of what the bass is, and what it is is the Angel of Dusk, a dark and mysterious creature not to be taken lightly, one that soars under the orchestra, leaving surrounding instruments in awe with its every breath.

KKSG

07-13-2012, 09:16 AM

AUDIENCE INPUT TIME!!!

I have a rather extensive bunch of bits and pieces from a lot of concertos, and I was wondering if you forum-goers would prefer a "highlights of" upload of these bits and pieces or of the whole thing. Examples would be the 2nd movement of Barber's Piano Concerto, the first movement of Glass' Cello Concerto, and other excerpts where the individual pieces are more than the whole. These would be according to my interpretation of their worth, so if you want me to just take that extra bit of time to scrounge up the rest of their wholes for a more cohesive experience, I understand and would be more than happy to, but sometimes we just want a grab bag of the good stuff, and if that's what you'd like, I can upload that instead.

radliff

07-14-2012, 01:00 PM

in the angel concerto, the second movement's end and the final's beginning seem to overlap by a half-second and it does not sound like an intentional repetition of material - I have no idea what has happened there.

as for audience response, I did not want to be the first and maybe only one - but now I am here... I like complete presentations. there: one vote. maybe someone should throw a note to the big orchestral action music thread (?) which has at least a few regulars, some of whom can reportedly even stomach Glass.

KKSG

07-15-2012, 01:17 AM

in the angel concerto, the second movement's end and the final's beginning seem to overlap by a half-second and it does not sound like an intentional repetition of material - I have no idea what has happened there.

as for audience response, I did not want to be the first and maybe only one - but now I am here...

It's a glitch, sorry, just caught that right now, I'll see if I can upload a fixed version later. And thanks for your (somewhat hesitant) support of my cobweb-gathering thread, I'll tally your vote promptly.

KKSG

08-16-2012, 08:19 PM

8. Concerto Grosso No. 1 - Alfred Schnittke
Soloists: Vikto Kulsehov (Violin), Ilia Ioff (Violin), Julia Lev (Keyboards)
Orchestra: St. Petersburg Mozarteum Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Arcady Shteinlukht
Ewwww... Grosso!.zip (http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?1ksa82y0g5452c7)

A concerto grosso, for those who don't know, is a musical form in which the melodic line of the music is passed between an orchestra and a group of soloists. Used by baroque era composers that wanted their counterpoint to have a textural difference as well as a melodic one, Schnittke uses it to this exact effect, albeit more extreme. Through the entirety of the piece, soloists pass their melodies off to the orchestra, only to have them hurled back in crazy, deformed bursts of dissonance. The ultimate example of this is in the penultimate rondo, as the soloists are practically murdered by the orchestra's brutal counterpoint, and as the final movement gives us a plaintive view of the ashes, we are left to ponder... what the hell just happened?

marinus

08-17-2012, 09:03 AM

Though I've heard quite some works by Mr. Schnittke this one's escaped me. He's not one of my favorites, but I'll give it a try. Thanks.

kurtsecru

08-17-2012, 01:36 PM

KKSG

08-17-2012, 09:55 PM

SCHNITTKE Concerto Grosso No 1 CDMAN175 [MC]: Classical CD Reviews- May 2006 MusicWeb-International (http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2006/May06/Schnittke_CDMAN175.htm) includes the performers

Thank you very much! (I'll have to check this site out in the future, :) )

---------- Post added at 03:55 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:56 PM ----------

9. Violin Concerto No. 2 - Benjamin Godard
Soloist: Chloe Hanslip
Orchestra: Slovak State Philharmonic, conducted by Kirk Trevor
Go big or Godard.zip (http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?sddwj0du4m6tuy9)

As one can see, I haven't really uploaded any concertos from before 1900, mainly because if they're that old and any good, they've been played to death by now. Which is why the neglect of this piece leaves me utterly confused. From the its bombastic intro to its bouncy finale, it oozes with newfangled charm and old-worldish grace, a perfectly marvelous concerto piece. It achieves such a wondrous balance between catching interest and sounding beautiful, even a gerontophobe like myself can't help but relish its romantic charm. Undo the neglect of the past century, give it a try!

KKSG

09-28-2012, 10:32 PM

10. "Distant Light" Violin Concerto - Peteris Vasks
Soloist: John Storgards
Orchestra: Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra
Far-Off Illumination.zip (http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?755k7iai0a3b6eq)

Profound. It's not a word used often, in our modern age. For all our technology, and all our advances, there seem to be fewer and fewer moments where we can simply stop and be moved, moved by something... profound. As the violin takes a solid form from its wispy intro, and a hushed backing from the strings pushes it forward, inch by inch, the mark made is undoubtedly profound. The entire piece seems to continuously inch forward, further and further, reaching closer and closer for something, and one can only help but reach with it, reach for some... unknown... vast... beautiful... far-off illumination.

KKSG

09-29-2012, 03:15 AM

Just to let you all know, I may be swapping out 8 and 9 for some different concertos, as I feel, on reflection, they don't really match the character of this thread, (Modern evocative music, as opposed to an amusing baroque parody and an over the top classical piece, respectively.) If anyone still cares, they can jump in all dramatically and cry out "NOOOOO, don't do it! They deserve to be here!" But if not, then get 'em while you can, I guess.

geraldo_horner

09-29-2012, 01:51 PM

KKSG

09-29-2012, 07:48 PM

Thanks for all the concertos. Is there a different pw for Far-off Illumination.zip? I can't unzip it.
By the way: NOOOO, don't swap any of them. Especially the Rondo from Schnittke's Concerto Grosso
is one of my most beloved pieces of 20th century music!

Oh, crap, you're absolutely right! All three of my new uploads have bad passwords! NOOOOOO! I'll reupload all three right now, wait for the all clear.

Oh, and while I love the Rondo as much as anyone else, it's just that the piece doesn't match the setup of a concerto that's been established from past uploads. However, I see your point, good music shouldn't be shot down for the sake of uniformity, so I'll let it slide. The Godard concerto, however, is WAAAAAY too romantic for all the modern stuff that I've been uploading, so I'll probably replace it with another Schnittke piece, or maybe Lutoslawski's Cello Concerto, that's a fun one! :D

---------- Post added at 01:45 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:29 PM ----------

Password issue has been fixed, hopefully, no other huge menacing problems rear their ugly heads.

Hopefully...

:chrishansen:

---------- Post added at 01:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:45 PM ----------

11. Bandoneon Concerto - Astor Piazolla
Soloist: Astor Piazolla
Orchestra: Orchestra of St. Lukes, Conducted by Lalo Schifrin
ARRIBA, EH-HEH!.zip (http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?iu23v4et629v1v6)

With what is essentially an accordion concerto, we have the only composer with the cojones to play his own concerto. And boy, does he play! The bandoneon soars over the orchestra's luscious glissandi with the same grace as that stereotypical french accordionist playing in front of the neighborhood club. The music is gorgeously corny, and it knows it and loves it, because this isn't music to be just listened to. It's music to be tapped to, music that bounces heads, and waves hands, with an unmistakable, unavoidable pulse of wondrous, magical life. Walk down the street with this playing and find someone sexy to spin around, just throw your cares away and dance!

---------- Post added at 01:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:48 PM ----------

12. Saxophone Concerto No. 1 - Anders Koppel
Soloist: Benjamin Koppel
Orchestra: Odense Symphony Orchestra
The Shadow Knows!.zip (http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?38u4t79t0htp3u6)

As our death-defying saxophone-playing detective navigates the dangerous streets and alleys of film noir, one can only wonder in horror at what dangers await around every corner, what terrible fiends seek to end his saxxy sound, what perilous adventure will be his last. A radio drama with no words, this concerto tells a dramatic story, one of mystery, deceit, and betrayal with only the sultry sound of the sax and the sinister sound of the orchestra. Immerse yourself in a dark, dangerous world, where one wrong turn, one false move... and you could be flat...

(Heh, B-flat...)

KKSG

10-22-2012, 04:26 AM

Alrighty, I found a better version of Rautavaara's double bass concerto, and reuploaded it so it is now no longer glitched, all 'Angel of Dusk' links have now been replaced. Sorry it took so long.

P.S. Does anyone have a decent version of Weinberg/Vainerg's Violin Concerto? I'd upload it if I could find a version that didn't have a severe case of record hiss.

KKSG

10-27-2012, 08:34 AM

13. Piano Concerto No. 2 - Nikolai Kapustin
Soloist: Nikolai Kapustin
Orchestra: Oleg Lundstrem Orchestra, conducted by Oleg Lundstrem
On The Looove Booaat.zip (http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?3c7lltiwddewbf1)

Imagine an elevator in an unusually tall hotel. You step in, and wait for the lounge music to start. But instead of the generic, slow listening tune you were expecting... BAM! The rising piano line and the ridiculously over-the-top orchestral build practically blow a hole through the speaker and whirl you away, cheering 'Don't just stand there, COME ON!' This concerto is a jazzy, swingy bundle of joy, with an orchestra practically bouncing in their seats and a piano line where you can just see the beaming pianist, having the time of his life. By the time you dizzily shuffle your way out of the elevator, it'll take a rock to the face to get rid of your big, dumb, toothy grin from all the delicious cheesiness on display!

KKSG

11-10-2012, 07:17 AM

14. Cello Concerto - Lepo Sumera
Soloist: David Geringas
Orchestra: Estonian National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Paavo J�rvi
Not-so-graceful bowing.zip (http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?m4ce54r4pynmfy1)

You know that feeling you get when you brandish a cape? Okay, maybe not, but just take a blanket or something from around you and just wave it around for a bit. If you're in a public place, you'll feel stupid, but other than that, there's a visceral excitement as it rips through the air, and, aside from the 'holy-crap-dude-we-gotta-slow-down' 2nd movement, that just about sums this one up. From the very first line from the cello, there's a sense that you could drape a sheet over the cellist's bow and call him a matador, and all the orchestra needs to be a bull is some horns...

KKSG

12-01-2012, 12:35 AM

15. Ondes Martenot Concerto - Andr� Jolivet
Soloist: Jeanne Loriod
Orchestra: Orchestre Philharmonique de l'ORTF, conducted by Andr� Jolivet
The Twalaight Zone.zip (http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?oqmg70zy33b26bw)

This concerto's sound is all the best parts of a Twilight Zone episode score, complete with a thick air of suspense, pounding drama, and a sound that can only be described as a moog/clarinet/theremin hybrid. Okay, so maybe that last one isn't quite a Twilight Zone staple, but it would (and does) fit right in to the general sound of it. The Ondes Martenot's sound is as sumptuously beautiful as it is uncannily haunting, no doubt due to its superb playing, and this concerto highlights its sound perfectly. As it floats gently over the orchestra, or pounds rhythmically against it, one cannot help but be gripped in spellbound awe at this magnificent instrument, and one cannot help but feel greatly appreciative of such a haunting concerto.

KKSG

01-17-2013, 09:46 PM

16. "Raga Mala" Sitar Concerto No. 2 - Ravi Shankar
Soloist: Ravi Shankar
Orchestra: London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Zhubin Mehta
ॐ.zip (http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?xhclg80dna8nxb3)

Breathe in... Breathe out... You are in a paradise, a world of peace, where the mystic sound of the sitar takes you to distant... What was that? Oh, nothing, just the sitar grabbing your arm and dragging you through a bustling townscape, as it has some errands to run. All right, all done, now, back to the world of paradise and all that, right after the sitar is done fighting this demon army... It's a SITAR CONCERTO, what more do you want? It's fun, it's mystic, it sounds like Bollywood with a budget and some virtuosity, just find your peaceful place and be ready to head bang like crazy.

KKSG

02-02-2013, 03:57 AM

17. "Three Fjords" Hardanger Fiddle Concerto No. 2 - Geirr Tveitt
Soloist: Arve Moen Bergset
Orchestra: Stavanger Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Ole Kristian Ruud
Hardangerous.zip (http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?xvbcukajo7uvz8n)

This concerto just goes to show, music isn't all just fun and games, it's also trills and double stops, and a touch of Nordic magic. Or at least, this music is, as it crisply flies past like pulverized foam against a mighty cliff face. The orchestra is remarkably atmospheric, and the sound of the fiddle is simply remarkable, dancing about in a whimsical whirlwind of adventurous bliss. As for the music, it's an absolute joy to behold, and as its folksy wake laps across your ears, you'll stop wondering why this summary has so many ridiculously ornate metaphors and bounce along with this wondrous piece.

Teddyb3ar

02-02-2013, 12:34 PM

Angel Of Ducks and another link is down.

I'll take a look to this post later. Looks promising!

KKSG

02-02-2013, 11:22 PM

Angel Of Ducks and another link is down.

Angel of Ducks.zip (http://www61.zippyshare.com/v/62067532/file.html)
MWA-HA-HA.zip (http://www61.zippyshare.com/v/8484801/file.html)

All faulty links have been replaced as far as I know, here's hoping Zippyshare holds...

swkirby

02-03-2013, 02:26 AM

KKSG

02-03-2013, 06:05 AM

Is there a problem with these downloads? I tried four of them, and all but the Yellowstone Concerto would not expand. I got a message that said "Decompression Failed". Do I need a password for these? I didn't for the Yellowstone. Thanks for your help and for posting these. I am intrigued... scott

Yes, indeed, most of them have a password, (for the Yellowstone concerto I never got around to giving it one,) you'll find them in the first post.

Teddyb3ar

02-03-2013, 07:32 PM

Heard a couple of them, very nice stuff. Interesting... Bookmark this for check the other links later this week.

KKSG

02-13-2013, 10:16 PM

18. Piano Concerto - John Corigliano
Soloist: John Lee
Orchestra: CIM Orchestra, conducted by Sasha Makila
BONK!.zip (http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?tlfhb4l10ll3sta)

Do you hate pianos? Sitting all smug like they own the place, so big and hard to move around, quite possibly the most cumbersome of instruments? Well then get ready for half an hour of piano abuse, because it's payback time! From blunt key banging to tearing glissandi, this concerto has every form of conventional piano destruction, and then some! Of course, this destruction would be all for naught without some good music, so Corigliano supplied a brutally primal score to accompany this piano's demise. With all that said, grab your umbrellas and get ready, 'cause keys will fly...

---------- Post added at 04:16 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:07 PM ----------

Heard a couple of them, very nice stuff. Interesting... Bookmark this for check the other links later this week.
Glad you like them, :)

geraldo_horner

02-13-2013, 11:03 PM

Your description for Bonk! sounds just thrilling! Unfortunately the download stopped halfway for the third time now. Is the file possibly broken? I am anxious to hear the concert :)

---

Never mind, the fourth time it worked. Thanks a lot!

KKSG

02-13-2013, 11:55 PM

19. Violin Concerto - Ellen Taaffe Zwilich
Soloist: Pamela Frank
Orchestra: Saarbrucken Radio Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Michael Stern
Zwilitch.zip (http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?3mo3t1heytob772)

In a word, bewitching. There's something deliciously malevolent in this one, endearing this listener to it more and more with each listening. From the opening squealing of the strings descends a solo violin line, hanging over a tremulous orchestra like it is a crowd cowering in fear. Don't let the impersonal movement titles fool you, this is a lively concerto, filled with as many glimpses of beauty as its hintings of horror. I can't say much more, as it is a dramatic work, and I almost feel anything else would qualify as a spoiler. Let's just say if you aren't at least a little impressed by the second movement, then you better clue me in on where you get your music from, 'cause I clearly have been missing out on some great stuff!

---------- Post added at 05:55 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:52 PM ----------

Your description for Bonk! sounds just thrilling! Unfortunately the download stopped halfway for the third time now. Is the file possibly broken? I am anxious to hear the concert :)
---
Never mind, the fourth time it worked. Thanks a lot!

Ugh, Mediafire ain't what it used to be, the Zippyshare transfer will probably come sooner or later, I'm just waiting for a third strike as an excuse. Anyway, hope you enjoy it, :)

KKSG

03-12-2013, 05:26 AM

20. Piano Concerto No. 1 - Carl Vine
Soloist: Michael Kieran Harvey
Orchestra: Sydney Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Edo de Waart
Living Space.zip (http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?eq9kpwfuoefku58)

It's a giant world we live in, dwarfed only by the vast infinitum of the cosmos. Of course, it's that very vast infinitum that this concerto manages to convey, from the spectral textures of the orchestra to a lonely, infinitely resonant piano, there's simply something big about this concerto, comparable only to that massive swirling darkness around us. From a spectacular launch to burning stars, from the cold vacuum to an assumably equally spectacular crash, from desperate space battles to some fine alien lovemaking... okay, maybe that's just a misapplication of imagination, but what else am I to assume that second movement was? Some really sensuous handshaking?

KKSG

04-07-2013, 08:28 PM

21. "Megaron Concerto" Guitar Concerto - Nikita Koshkin
Soloist: Elena Papandreou
Orchestra: Singapore Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Lan Shui
Megatron Concerto.zip (http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?64asppe37m80qo9)

Classical guitar has a long history of concertante works, and this concerto follows closely in their tradition... kind of. What I mean to say is if you want that wonderful classical guitar sound, where several complex musical lines are played with amazing virtuosity by a single string instrument, weaving together in that magical way only a classical guitar can, well, you're in luck. Just that not all those weaved-in lines are the peaceful, old minded kind, for as the concerto progresses, the music ceases to ease, and begins to haunt. It is a beautiful haunting, though, one both fully indebted to and completely independent of the mold it clearly shatters.

Jiksaw

04-07-2013, 08:54 PM

Thank you koopakidshyguy, many gems here, enjoy the liner notes as well :-)

KKSG

04-07-2013, 10:22 PM

Thank you koopakidshyguy, many gems here, enjoy the liner notes as well :-)
Well, I'm quite glad you like them, do enjoy, :)

swkirby

04-08-2013, 05:05 AM

Thanks for the Vine, Zwilich and Koshkin. Interesting stuff. Will have to look for more, especially Koshkin whose "Usher Waltz" is one of my favorites... scott

KKSG

04-08-2013, 08:41 AM

Thanks for the Vine, Zwilich and Koshkin. Interesting stuff. Will have to look for more, especially Koshkin whose "Usher Waltz" is one of my favorites... scott Ah, leaning towards a more modern sound, I see? Probably a good idea, considering what's coming up, :P

mortegae

04-08-2013, 08:41 PM

KKSG

04-08-2013, 11:41 PM

Do you have Distant Light concerto in FLAC or any lossless?

Very glad that you enjoyed it, but I'm afraid not. I have a wide variety of sources for all this music, but nearly all those sources are essentially lossy. (Besides, I have to leave SOME incentive for you to buy them, :P)

KKSG

07-05-2013, 03:43 AM

22. Violin Concerto - Somei Satoh
Soloist: Anne Akiko Meyers
Orchestra:Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra, Conducted by Tetsuji Honna
Bare Minimum.zip (http://www.mediafire.com/download/71zd29c1l0yxm1p/Bare_Minimum.zip)

Glass would have us believe minimalism is about a minimal amount of material, extended ad infinitum, pounding against our heads in an infinite torrent of notes, a minimalism that is so blatant and boisterous, a single crammed minute of the stuff often reveals its only minimalism to be in just how underwhelming it all is.

There is another minimalism, however, a minimalism of elements. A minimalism where a single violin speaks to a silent orchestra, with only the slow pulse of a bass drum as evidence of time's passage. A minimalism with silences that often teem with more weight than any music could hope to have, with both terrified apprehension and restful reprieve. This is music that speaks little, when at all, and yet the few words it speaks are so utterly gorgeous, so remarkably moving, it's all the more harrowing when it all disappears back into the silent pulse from whence it came. So grab your favorite headphones, pour a glass of wine, and let the soundscape absorb you like no medium could ever dream of.

KKSG

07-13-2013, 02:34 AM

23. Organ Concerto - Thierry Escaich
Soloist: Olivier Latry
Orchestra: Li�ge Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Pascal Rophe
Splattered Organ.zip (http://www.mediafire.com/download/1lls49zbo1xcmod/Splattered_Organ.zip)

Hold onto your hats, ladies and gents! The silent movie organ is back from the dead, ready to hit a new audience with a burst of dramatic flailing, chock full of 'DON'T GO IN THERE!' moments. With a sumptuously dark backing from an equally terrifying orchestra, this piece is simply dripping with a theatrical splendour, creating a sort of self-fulfilling score. I'd recommend this as an alternate score for a number of silent horror films, but I can't. Not because Dracula doesn't need music this good, but because music this good doesn't need Dracula.

KKSG

07-13-2013, 04:07 AM

24. "Belle Epoque" Piano Concerto - Tobias Brostrom
Soloist: Hakan Hardenberger
Orchestra: Gavle Symphony Orchestra, Conducted by Johannes Gustavsson
Joie de Vivre.zip (http://www.mediafire.com/download/ahad3sw4mf7s2ai/Joie_de_Vivre.zip)

In a word; Delightfully propulsive. Perhaps the first phrase of that statement was inaccurate, but certainly not the second. From its very beginning, this concerto establishes a pace and sticks to it, flowing in a marvelously rhythmic pattern, with the piano serving to row the music along in its steady pulsation. When the rhythmic movement dies down, the concerto doesn't cease to compel, where the first movement was steady, the second movement trickles down as it sees fit, a simply gorgeous and magical series of chords propelling it as the motoric drive moved the first. The final movement hammers away simply and bluntly, bludgeoning themes and rhythms of the first two movements until something new is hammered together, and as this final musical creation soars away, a furious concert director frets about all that detuned E-key...

peterthegreater

07-21-2013, 03:49 AM

KKSG

07-21-2013, 08:40 PM

Hey KoopaKid, just wanted to say thanks for this incredible thread, which I found by searching for Kapustin (by far my favourite contemporary composer - cheers for the Concerto!). Unknown classical composers are something I'd normally pass over, but your colourful and informative descriptions of the pieces convinced me to stick around and grab a few more. Phenomenal work, thanks again!
Funny thing is I'd have a heck of a lot more of these uploaded if it wasn't for those descriptions, so to hear that they're helpful (let alone enjoyable) is no small comfort to hear. Seems I've done you a disservice as far as Kapustin is concerned, though, the stereo mix is terrible, thought I had summed it to mono, but I didn't, and now the headphone listening experience is all but unbearable without some sort of mono option or taking the plug out halfway. No one's complained, though, so I'm probably just being nitpicky.
And of course the other disservice would be having not uploaded Kapustin's 4th Piano Concerto, but that can wait, too many piano concertos right now, need to bolster the ranks with something I've neglected...

laohu

08-14-2013, 03:48 AM

thanks

KKSG

11-09-2013, 12:48 AM

25. Trombone Concerto - Christopher Rouse
Soloist: Christian Lindberg
Orchestra: BBC National Orchestra of Wales, conducted by Grant Llewellyn
Terrific Tromboner.zip (http://www.mediafire.com/download/dq7iz2pok7qk6nj/A_Magnificent_Tromboner.zip)

The trombone, eternally doomed to be interpreted as a joke instrument due to that comical "WAH-WAH-WAAAAH" sound, is actually a surprisingly expressive instrument. Nowhere is this made clearer than when it hangs over a hushed bed of strings, its hauntingly lonely voice calling out through the dark, or when those strings begin grow thick with a dark tremolo, when drums rumble and it cries out through the madness, or when the orchestra takes up a mad limping tempo, and the trombone bounces through the soundscape, what once was a lumbering instrument hops with lightning speed through whizzing strings and flaring brass. In fact, with the trombone's speed comes a weight no other instrument could possibly achieve, a weight Rouse capitalizes on thoroughly. It is this weight that turns the solo instrument into a massive hammer, tearing through the orchestral texture with relentless frenzied efficiency. And yet, after all the raucous brilliance of the first two movements, and even a bit of the third movement, there is a final elegiacal moment of pure bliss that awaits you at the end, where the trombone plaintively sings over a hushed brass chorale, and after all the sorrow, and all the madness, there is finally peace.

KKSG

01-01-2014, 01:41 AM

26. Double Concerto - Lera Auerbach
Soloist: Vadim Gluzman (Violin), Angela Yofe (Piano)
Orchestra: Stuttgart Radio-Sinfonieorchester , conducted by Andrey Boreyko
I'll be Auerbach.zip (http://www.mediafire.com/download/l5n4fh6cihjclz7/I'll%20be%20Auerbach.zip)

I'm not gonna lie, this one's pretty hard to write about. Not because there's nothing good to say, far from that. Mainly because it's so chock-full of brilliant musical ideas, I feel like I'm slighting many of them just by failing to mention them. From the eternally engaging contrast of a beautiful violin line with a plodding piano accompaniment, to that piano's elemental fury, pounding with thunderous waves more massive than the entire orchestra, from the disintegration of a beautiful chorale, to its post-apocalyptic reincarnation, this concerto is an amazing beast to behold, a combination of instruments so effective, it often comes across as a huge, gut-wrenching violin sonata, the piano and orchestra blending seamlessly into the musical equivalent of a tsunami. Highly recommended, if you're big enough for the deep end, that is...

KKSG

09-28-2014, 11:57 PM

INTERMISSION

After a long hiatus, I fully intend to return to uploading regularly, but one of the composers whose work I really want to upload, Alberto Ginastera, is extremely inaccessible. What do I mean by that? I mean, imagine walking through a rainforest in the dead of night. Not a lot happens while you walk through the rainforest, sure, but the fear of the panther around each bend is palpable, and the experience is, overall, riveting. That being said, it's hard to recommend a composer who surrounds jawdropping passages of music with a lot of ambient soundscapes that might not engage the average listener, so instead of uploading all of his concertos to receive lukewarm responses, I give you the collected panther attacks of Alberto Ginastera's concertos. Enjoy, and expect a full concerto from him in the near future.

Insert Argentina Reference Here (http://www.mediafire.com/download/inqa5gz2n8riqyq/Don't_cry_for_help,_Argentina.zip)

KKSG

11-01-2014, 01:07 AM

27. Electric Violin Concerto "Electric Preludes" - Brett Dean
Soloist: Richard Tognetti
Orchestra: Australian Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Brett Dean
Singin' the Body Electric.zip (http://www.mediafire.com/download/1fc3zz4h46isp3k/Singin'_the_Body_Electric.zip)

Before Electric Preludes, I had never heard a good electric violin concerto, much less a great one. You see, when people write concertos for them, they assume it's a like a violin but with 6 strings, or that it's a spooky theremin stand-in. It isn't. An electric violin sounds like an electric guitar being cut in half with a chainsaw, and if that description didn't clue you in, subtlety is not its strong point. What is its strong point is that as the bow tears across the strings, and a huge guttural wave of electric chittering maggots rips through the air, you realize this isn't the interplay of a soloist against an orchestra, it's an orchestra getting battered by an unceasing torrent of lightning, until the final few scraps of it that remain cower in fear at the rumblings of a thunderous, merciless Zeus. It's creepy, it's awesome, it's downright terrifying, and you have no excuse not to give it a go!

radliff

11-01-2014, 04:50 PM

ok, then, I'll do it and try :-)

KKSG

11-02-2014, 01:01 AM

28. Cello Concerto No. 2 - Alberto Ginastera
Soloist: Mark Kosower
Orchestra: Bamberg Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Lothar Zagrosek
Don't cry for help, Argentina!.zip (http://www.mediafire.com/download/gat7u7ym71s0yi6/Don't_cry_for_help,_Argentina!.zip)

You step out of your air conditioned bus into the melting heat of a damp rainforest. The guide in front immediately begins to point out the various rare fauna and plant life around you, but your eyes stay trained on the patches of pitch black between the rustling leaves. No one around you seems to see the eerie glows of yellow, each split in half with an inhuman pupil. An instant later, the wheels of the bus are heard violently exploding, and a blood-stained cello tears into the guide's shoulder, and drags him screaming into the depths of the jungle. It is in the silent unbearable moments after the initial panic that this concerto takes place, within the womb of a silently pulsating jungle, where the thought of escape slowly melts into a desperate hope that your end will be quick and painless...

(Happy Halloween, :P)

---------- Post added at 07:01 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:47 PM ----------

ok, then, I'll do it and try :-)

Glad to hear it, :D

bluemonkey13

11-02-2014, 09:02 AM

Man, your collection is awesome! Thanks!

KKSG

11-15-2014, 12:30 AM

29. Concerto for Two Pianos - Francis Poulenc
Soloists: Pascal Rog�, Sylviane Deferne
Orchestra: Philharmonia Orchestra, conducted by Charles Dutoit
Sacr�blow your mind.zip (http://www.mediafire.com/download/23la4kwk67nk6wa/Sacr�blow_your_mind.zip)

For centuries, Mozart had been the irrefutable master of the double piano concerto. Despite wave after wave of attempts, none could match the economy of his thoughts, all so brisk and perfectly conveyed through the piano pair and orchestra, without any party feeling excessive. From the opening line of this concerto, however, the crown is shattered, and a new player takes the stage, as precise as his predecessor, with a dash of panache to boot. I'd say two players take the stage, but both pianos are integrated so brilliantly and assuredly, it's easier to imagine a single octopus-like player taking those cadenzas, as a kazoo choir sends a Mozartian blast of concision to an early grave, to be replaced by an incredibly virtuosic and deftly devilish sense of fun. Not to mention the heart-achingly french moments of pristine beauty, the kind which would melt the heart of the most austere music snob, Ratatouille style, but as I said, not to mention. What is to mention is the simple brilliance the whole thing exudes, a sort of timeless perfection of craft that only comes once in a lifetime, the musical equivalent of a perfectly carved diamond... only there's a slot in the side to launch fireworks from because, hey, why not?

---------- Post added at 06:30 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:44 PM ----------

Man, your collection is awesome! Thanks!

I'm a week late and a dollar short, but you're quite welcome, glad you like it, :D

KKSG

02-03-2015, 12:30 AM

30. Turntable Concerto - Gabriel Prokofiev
Soloist: Dave Taylor "DJ Switch"
Orchestra: National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, conducted by Vladimir Jurowski
Sir Pick'n'mixalot (http://www.mediafire.com/download/se2l4hxhc880yha/Sir_Pick'n'mixalot.zip)

This thing is garbage. It's the lumpiest, ploddingest piece of musical refuse I've ever experienced, but I'm not too proud to admit I love it. Like walking into the house of a dumpster diver, you may not want to live in it, but you have to admire the backward logistics of bathing in a bathless world. A world where audience noise is as much an instrument as the orchestra, and a world where virtuosity is found not in being a one man orchestra, but in transforming that orchestral sound into its own call and response, then turning it into its own back beat, then creating new musical material out of it entirely. At times a percussion concerto, at times a concerto grosso, at times just a dude freestyling in a back alley with string writing to rival the sloppiest of hip-hop's, it may not ever be beautiful, but what good is beauty in the mud bath of life?

(This is a recording of a live performance, with a significant amount of audience noise. There is a CD release, but frankly, the cadenzas in it leave much to be desired, so in the end, I opted for this version, as DJ Switch simply takes the material the extra mile. Never thought the piece I'd have to make this kind of decision on would be a DJ concerto, but time makes fools of us all...)

KKSG

03-19-2015, 08:57 AM

31. Piano Concerto No. 4 - Andre Mathieu
Soloist: Alain Lef�vre
Orchestra: Tuscon Symphony Orchestra, conducted by George Hanson
Canadian Gothic (http://www.mediafire.com/download/rvqgg3lzry5843u/Canadian_Gothic.zip)

I'll spare you the backstory of a child prodigy, a musical Icarus who flew too close to the sun and drank himself to death. I'll also spare you the arduous story of his concerto's reconstruction, yet another lost score of the 20th century saved by a vinyl print of a premiere, but I will tell you this: there is no note in this piece that is unworthy of the effort, and you would be hard pressed to find a concerto as rousing and unashamedly gorgeous as this. The melodies are perfect; crafted in the spirit of the old romantics, but purged of cliche, the piano here sings as soulfully as one could ever imagine, as poignantly as one could ever dream. It is a mighty apotheosis of the elder, rhapsodic brilliance of Rachmaninoff's pianism and a modern gothic aesthetic all its own, a piece that bears the anxieties of the modern day in stride, with an occasionally innocent playfulness that makes it all the more heroic, given the circumstances of its creation. It is the unique product of an exhausted virtuoso putting soul to page, and, above all else, it is a profoundly enjoyable piece, so grab it while it's hot, lads!

bluemonkey13

03-22-2015, 07:37 AM

KKSG

03-22-2015, 08:35 PM

You wouldn't know where I could get my hands on said score by any chance, would you? This is an incredible piece!

Wrote a long post about how I couldn't find it, but then I found it, :\
http://orchestrabella.com/andre.html The score under QUATRI�ME CONCERTO, might want to brush up on your French before ordering, though, :P, but regardless, glad you enjoyed it!

KKSG

05-26-2015, 12:13 AM

32. Contrabassoon Concerto - Kalevi Aho
Soloist: Lewis Lipnick
Orchestra: Bergen Philharmonia Orchestra, conducted by Andrew Litton
Contrabuffoon.zip (http://www.mediafire.com/download/29dbh7qq41czahr/Contrabuffoon.zip)

So, you've finally conquered the earth and subjugated the human race to your devilish whims, but you just can't seem to find something suitably caustic and nightmarish to celebrate your new-found reign over the petty human populace? Or even worse, that one pesky hero-type isn't cowering in horrified deference at your long megalomaniacal rant, and you're looking for something to put a bit of good old fashioned fear in his eyes? Have I got just the piece of music for you, good sir! Now, I know the contrabassoon isn't quite the image of pure, unfettered fear in your eyes just yet, but trust me, it's evil as they come, a dark, cackling instrument that knows no sympathy, and in this concerto, it truly shines, as it bellows from above its mighty orchestral steed, a blackened, freakish amalgamation of instruments squealing with delighted anticipation at the prospect of prey, as the contrabassoon master belches commands from his throne. It is a concerto that tickles the imagination, conjures images of conquest long locked away deep within the human psyche, finally set free with the call of the bassoon, as if it whispers on from behind your reigns, goading you on towards the world domination you so desperately crave, so go on, give it a try... if you dare...

bluemonkey13

05-27-2015, 02:05 AM

32. Contrabassoon Concerto - Kalevi Aho

Best one yet! How do you find out about these? (Well, not the Aho one - he's pretty well-known, although I'd never heard this one, but the more obscure ones.)

KKSG

06-04-2015, 01:43 AM

Best one yet! How do you find out about these? (Well, not the Aho one - he's pretty well-known, although I'd never heard this one, but the more obscure ones.)

I'd like to say I found these thanks to a stellar marketing effort from both the publishers of contemporary classical music as well as the efforts of the orchestras that went on to record those contemporary classical pieces, but let's not kid ourselves: contemporary classical is the musical equivalent of an utterly neglected child; completely unsupported, yet all the more admirable for somehow surviving this long. As for where I find this stuff, there's a variety of classical music blogs I flip through for new pieces, sometimes I have to go to composer's sites and rip files from the sample players (looking at you, Auerbach!), other times I go ask the Russians, but at the end of the day, when I see a new name and concerto in the title (and the composer died after 1900, or better yet is still alive), I salivate copiously until I have it, no matter the quality. There's a lot of pieces I really like that I have to hold back from here, as my audio quality standards are pretty low from Soviet era recordings and website rips, but I have only two things to credit for finding great music; great music, and patient ears.

Regardless, glad you like them, and speaking of Russians...

---------- Post added at 07:43 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:32 PM ----------

33. Violin Concerto - Andrei Petrov
Soloist: Boris Gutnikov
Orchestra: Leningrad Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Yuri Termirkanov
Violin Chops.zip (http://www.mediafire.com/download/va0s0fo48azgax0/Violin_Chops.zip)

In a word: Bipolar. If you need convincing, start with the finale, where a gust of woodwinds puts a dainty grin on your face, and as the violin gallops into earshot, the grin widens heartily. Its melody swings through the air delightfully, only slightly maligned by hints of an acerbic undertone gradually bubbling their way up, whispered in foreboding rumblings from the orchestra, in shrill mistones from the violin, still dripping with a soviet realist charm, but the whole thing is coming apart at the seams, no matter how desperately cheerful the melody. And then, before you know it, the switch goes off, the orchestra's triumphant fanfare rips itself apart, and you go from swinging nets at butterflies to swinging hatchets into screaming faces, leaving us helpless witnesses to an atrocity the violin just can't seem to hear, despite being at the heart of it. Despite its amorphous nature, the narrative of an axe murderer is rather undeniable for this one, its slow menacing opening matching a post-murder spree interrogation, wherein the violin mutters the melodies it played in the finale, neurotically fantasizes over variations on such themes as the orchestra prods it on, culminating in a second movement, in which a hauntingly solitary violin desperately begs forgiveness, its cries growing more heart-breakingly sorrowful, until the reality around them begins to melt, pitches warp and bend, and our soloist finds himself ruminating over the theme once more... that crazed gallop of a theme, it sparks the memories in his mind, and the finale begins, in all its majesty... and all its horror...

KKSG

06-23-2015, 12:48 AM

34. "1001 Nights In The Harem" Violin Concerto - Fazil Say
Soloist: Patricia Kopatchinskaja
Orchestra: Luzerner Symphony Orchestra
Turkish Delight.zip (http://www.mediafire.com/download/unt64jfy3prbgx1/Turkish_Delight.zip)

Our story commences with a gentle breeze of drums, and a quiet gesture from a guiding violin, atop a caravan making its way through an endless sea of dunes. It is a mental image that is less implied and more implanted, a concerto written in a language that manages to be gorgeously and hauntingly evocative of an Arabian night, while never stooping to cliche, led on by a violin as solemnly determined as the story it sets out to tell. However, while it is often a dark piece, it is also an incredibly colorful piece, active and eternally virile. This concerto is, simply put, a sonic adventure; harsh pizzicatos crackle, whispy sordino passages send the whole piece into a fever dream, all perfectly utilized to convey the story of a violin that is always searching or being searched for, moments of gorgeous introspection skillfully weaved within dexterous agitation, every trick is pulled, all stops are played, and I speak with no hyperbole when I say the second movement is the most elementally intimidating piece of music I have ever experienced, a tense knife fight/final boss/demonic possession all wrapped in one. It's not a one trick pony though, all of its movements are brilliant, some breathtakingly haunting, others heartachingly nostalgic, but every moment is intensely gripping, and by the time that grip is released, and the caravan has faded off into the oblivion from whence it came, a single word has risen up to describe the experience; Epic.

KKSG

07-04-2015, 08:47 PM

INDEPENDENCE DAY SPECIAL!

As far as the US is concerned, there are three kinds of people:
1. People who are biting into a freshly barbecued hamburger patty with the stars and stripes all over their patriotic onesie.
2. People who are just kinda "eh" about the whole thing.
3. People who wish the Americans would stop cramming this holiday down our throats.

Well, as someone firmly in the first and second categories... on reflection, not all that firmly in any category, I'd like to offer a collection of American piano concertos that are sure to fulfill the appetites of all three categories, namely;

1. George Gershwin - Piano Concerto: Basically Rhapsody in Blue on steroids, a grand old heart-swelling throwback to the roaring 20's, with a hint of F. Scott Fitzgeraldian angst separating it from its cornier brethren of the same era. When it's not busy being dazzling, it's downright gorgeous; altogether, an American gem.

2. Michael Daugherty - Deus ex Machina: If you're a film score buff, Daugherty may not be on your radar, but if you give this concerto a listen, you'll find that he's definitely on your level. To put it bluntly, this thing is awesome, and I won't say much more, because I plan on giving it its own entry soon enough. Suffice it to say, it's a skillfully crafted piece, filled with the blood of the best of New Hollywood scores; altogether, an American treat.

3. William Bolcom - Piano Concerto: Perhaps the surprise is a bit spoiled by attaching this one to a bitter view of the states, but there's no one as good at taking the piss out of America than Americans themselves, and this thing takes the cake. A send up of the corniest stuff we've had to offer over the years, from Golden Age Hollywood shmaltz to punchdrunk jazz to jingoistic brass fanfares, it's basically the quintessential American piano concerto with a few too many Keystones in its system, drunkenly lurching around, occasionally belching something stupid while we all gather around it in awe. Some may laugh, some may wince uncomfortably; altogether, a drunk spastic mess... but by golly, he's my drunk spastic mess, and I love it to pieces, :)

1. Gershwin (http://www.mediafire.com/download/4z2948m3rmp8lwp/Should_be_in_a_Herse-win.zip)
2. Daugherty (http://www.mediafire.com/download/cka8mq56uba91ri/Drougherty.zip)
3. Bolcom (http://www.mediafire.com/download/6cq9s7xkdzo4dth/Puns_are_too_hard.zip)

All Three 'Mericoncertos (http://www.mediafire.com/download/bfbn47d72u76g43/'Mericoncertos.zip)

dmoth

08-24-2017, 01:33 PM

Thank you for this wonderful post. My search for more Sumera brought me here but it's been a joy to discover other unfamiliar composers. In particular Andres Koppel Sax concerto is stupendous and Avnet Norman's mandolin concerto is terrific. Thank you again for the time to share. 😁