Thankfully, I have these. I purchased them as they were released. Love the clarity and pace of the performances on all discs. I always thought they were recorded a little too politely, but now understand when you mentioned the size of the orchestra. Love 'em all.
I first heard his evocative symphonies on recordings by Munch and Ormandy that were done in the 50's. Having been outdoorsman, mountain hiker and sailor during my lifetime, I am partial to what might be termed "Outdoor Music," and several d'Indy compositions qualify in that regard. Thanks, as always, for recognizing the less known composers.
Thanks for shining a light on D'Indy, Dave. Another single disc "sampler" of his music is the Hyperion conducted by Thierry Fischer. I loved the releases on Timpani, as well.
the only three orchestral works by d’Indy that aren’t currently in this series but was recorded by others were Concert for Flute, Piano, Cello and Strings, the oboe konzertstück Fantaisie sur des thèmes populaires français and orchestral excerpts from the opera l’étranger. One wonders if his unnumbered Jean Hunyade Symphony and Antoine et Cleopatre Overture could make it on disk one day, since they came after the first symphony (which is an early work without opus). And I’m a little curious about his early piano sonata in c minor (although it’s perhaps wrong to imagine that early one with the grandiose of his e minor sonata)
And I hope one day Warner will re-release Prêtre’s recording of Poèmes des Rivages like they recently re-releases those plasson stuff (though not for the first time). Really got hooked on that work a few months earlier.
Dave where do you draw the line for tiers of musical greatness (on composer or performer side?) I'm curious how you think of this. Thanks for your many videos!!!
I care about his works... I'll gladly listen, repeatedly, to any late Romantic symphonic, chamber or piano works I can get my hands on, even if the only recording available is done by a competent amateur.
I happen to have the first three discs. Got them when they came out. I admit to not really taking the time to immerse myself in them properly. I would be selective about getting any more at this point, and will try to audition what is available on streaming before committing to the other three.
Topic: What's up with recording engineers? As I listen to my collection, I notice that there are different methods of recording orchestras. For example on Naxos more often than not it seems I am sitting in the balcony of the hall. To my ear, it seems muddy and lacks detail that I like to hear in recordings. I don't seem to notice it as much in older recordings from Columbia, RCA etc. I would imagine some people must like this "far away" sound. I like it more up close. Perhaps you have already discussed this in a previous video? Thanks!
Thanks for bringing this to everyone's attention! I have all these. I'd hoped that there would be things of an equivalent inspiration to Symphony on a French Mountain Air - but there really isn't. It's a standalone masterpiece. I adore French romantic music, but d'Indy unfortunately is less interesting than more minor figures such as Gaubert. I'm also a committed Baxian. I don't mind the comparison at all, but I think that Bax's melodic & harmonic inspiration is consistently superior. But Bax doesn't have a single piece in the standard repertoire, & d'Indy does!
Totally agree! Every time I listen to a piece by d’Indy expecting it to have the same degree of melodic inspiration and characterful spark as the Symphony on a French Mountain Air, I come away disappointed. Many of his works rely too much on either colorful orchestration (the tone poems) or rigorous academicism (the works in standard forms) rather than memorable melodies and motives. That said, the tone poem “Souvenirs” is quite a beautiful work, and amongst his chamber output his delightful Clarinet Trio is the standout work - it has the most ravishing slow movement. But yeah, as far as lesser-known late-19th/early-20th century French composers go, I’d rank Magnard, Roussel, Jean Cras, Florent Schmitt, Reynaldo Hahn, and Pierné quite a bit ahead of d’Indy overall.
Thankfully, I have these. I purchased them as they were released. Love the clarity and pace of the performances on all discs. I always thought they were recorded a little too politely, but now understand when you mentioned the size of the orchestra. Love 'em all.
I first heard his evocative symphonies on recordings by Munch and Ormandy that were done in the 50's. Having been outdoorsman, mountain hiker and sailor during my lifetime, I am partial to what might be termed "Outdoor Music," and several d'Indy compositions qualify in that regard. Thanks, as always, for recognizing the less known composers.
Thanks for shining a light on D'Indy, Dave. Another single disc "sampler" of his music is the Hyperion conducted by Thierry Fischer. I loved the releases on Timpani, as well.
Never been a listener of d'Indy, but after your delight/enthusiasts walk through d'Indy orchestral music I am moved to check it out👍
I've had disc 1 for a few years. Excellent recording.
the only three orchestral works by d’Indy that aren’t currently in this series but was recorded by others were Concert for Flute, Piano, Cello and Strings, the oboe konzertstück Fantaisie sur des thèmes populaires français and orchestral excerpts from the opera l’étranger. One wonders if his unnumbered Jean Hunyade Symphony and Antoine et Cleopatre Overture could make it on disk one day, since they came after the first symphony (which is an early work without opus). And I’m a little curious about his early piano sonata in c minor (although it’s perhaps wrong to imagine that early one with the grandiose of his e minor sonata)
And I hope one day Warner will re-release Prêtre’s recording of Poèmes des Rivages like they recently re-releases those plasson stuff (though not for the first time). Really got hooked on that work a few months earlier.
D'Indy was a tremendous teacher, notably was a big influence on Messiaen.
Dave where do you draw the line for tiers of musical greatness (on composer or performer side?) I'm curious how you think of this. Thanks for your many videos!!!
I have to admit I really enjoyed Fervaal when I finally got to hear all of it. As a symphonist, I think Chausson and Magnard edge D'Indy out.
I care about his works... I'll gladly listen, repeatedly, to any late Romantic symphonic, chamber or piano works I can get my hands on, even if the only recording available is done by a competent amateur.
I happen to have the first three discs. Got them when they came out. I admit to not really taking the time to immerse myself in them properly. I would be selective about getting any more at this point, and will try to audition what is available on streaming before committing to the other three.
Thanks
Topic: What's up with recording engineers? As I listen to my collection, I notice that there are different methods of recording orchestras. For example on Naxos more often than not it seems I am sitting in the balcony of the hall. To my ear, it seems muddy and lacks detail that I like to hear in recordings. I don't seem to notice it as much in older recordings from Columbia, RCA etc. I would imagine some people must like this "far away" sound. I like it more up close. Perhaps you have already discussed this in a previous video? Thanks!
Thank you, Dave! How does this Istar compare to Tingaud's on Naxos?
Tingaud is better, I think, but not hugely so.
Thank you. @@DavesClassicalGuide
Thanks for bringing this to everyone's attention! I have all these. I'd hoped that there would be things of an equivalent inspiration to Symphony on a French Mountain Air - but there really isn't. It's a standalone masterpiece. I adore French romantic music, but d'Indy unfortunately is less interesting than more minor figures such as Gaubert. I'm also a committed Baxian. I don't mind the comparison at all, but I think that Bax's melodic & harmonic inspiration is consistently superior. But Bax doesn't have a single piece in the standard repertoire, & d'Indy does!
D"Indy's Istar is an underrated masterpiece. I believe it's a ballet.
Totally agree! Every time I listen to a piece by d’Indy expecting it to have the same degree of melodic inspiration and characterful spark as the Symphony on a French Mountain Air, I come away disappointed. Many of his works rely too much on either colorful orchestration (the tone poems) or rigorous academicism (the works in standard forms) rather than memorable melodies and motives. That said, the tone poem “Souvenirs” is quite a beautiful work, and amongst his chamber output his delightful Clarinet Trio is the standout work - it has the most ravishing slow movement. But yeah, as far as lesser-known late-19th/early-20th century French composers go, I’d rank Magnard, Roussel, Jean Cras, Florent Schmitt, Reynaldo Hahn, and Pierné quite a bit ahead of d’Indy overall.
@@kylejohnson8877 I don't know his chamber music. I'll check it out. Thanks for the heads up!
@@robhaynes4410 you’re welcome! The Clarinet Trio is a real gem, but don’t set your hopes too high for the rest of his chamber music, lol.
I agree, Bax is better!