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Topic: Symphonic Dances op.45  (Read 2608 times)

Offline schnabels_grandson

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Symphonic Dances op.45
on: December 21, 2003, 10:13:17 AM
Has anybody heard this extremely exciting Rachmaninoff piece?  My god, it is so awesome.  I'm wondering if anyone has performed the 2 piano arrangement.  If someone out there has, please give your comments and feelings about it, as I'm thinking of buying it.  I think the first part- non allegro I guess- is very life-affirming.  When I hear the second theme, endless shivers run down my back.  Does anybody else experience this or a similar feeling when listening to certain peices?  If so, which ones?  
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Offline Rach3

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Re: Symphonic Dances op.45
Reply #1 on: December 22, 2003, 05:27:26 AM
Shivers up and down the back? That's the point!

One of my favorite orchestral pieces... where did you find the 2 piano arrangement? I might be interested. I'm assuming you've already listened to the complete Rach for piano and orchestra?

Oh and what recordings/performances? I've seen a live performance, under Mickelthwate (greatest conducting genius in the history of 21st century Georgia [the state]). Ten times as shivery live.
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Offline schnabels_grandson

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Re: Symphonic Dances op.45
Reply #2 on: December 22, 2003, 06:30:16 AM
I bought a 2 cd set called "Essential Rachmaninoff" and it has the 1st movement, non allegro.  the credit goes to Concertgebouw Orchestra with Vladimir Askenazy.  I haven't heard the entire thing yet  :(.  I found the two piano arrangement on sheetmusicplus.com.  Here is a link to the product page:https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/store/smp_detail.html?sku=WB.F02314&cart=3248735182771228&searchtitle=Sheet%20Music
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You don't have to eat garbage to know it's garbage.-Old Proverb
A good composer does not imitate; he steals.- Igor Stravinsky

Offline eddie92099

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Re: Symphonic Dances op.45
Reply #3 on: December 22, 2003, 06:37:15 AM
I have the two piano arrangement score - don't expect it to be easy,
Ed
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Offline schnabels_grandson

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Re: Symphonic Dances op.45
Reply #4 on: December 22, 2003, 06:40:08 AM
You do? Have you played it or attempted it yet?  Does the arrangement do it justice?  
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You don't have to eat garbage to know it's garbage.-Old Proverb
A good composer does not imitate; he steals.- Igor Stravinsky

Offline eddie92099

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Re: Symphonic Dances op.45
Reply #5 on: December 22, 2003, 07:07:11 AM
The arrangement is surprisingly good. I have not learnt it properly,
Ed
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Offline Rach3

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Re: Symphonic Dances op.45
Reply #6 on: January 03, 2004, 08:59:53 AM
Emanuel Ax/Bronfman is arriving in mail very soon.

No not the pianists, the recording of Symphonic dances.

It is very annoying not to single-handedly be able to play symphonies and stuff, I think I should like to conduct a major orchestra.
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Offline Rach3

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Re: Symphonic Dances op.45
Reply #7 on: January 03, 2004, 09:00:35 AM
By the way, the St. Louis recording under Slatkin is superb.
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Offline Rach3

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Re: Symphonic Dances op.45
Reply #8 on: January 03, 2004, 09:09:02 AM
What am I saying? Don't listen to St. Louis, listen to the Sewanee Symphony under Mickelthwate, it's the best!
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Offline thracozaag

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Re: Symphonic Dances op.45
Reply #9 on: January 03, 2004, 06:36:30 PM
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Emanuel Ax/Bronfman is arriving in mail very soon.

No not the pianists, the recording of Symphonic dances.

It is very annoying not to single-handedly be able to play symphonies and stuff, I think I should like to conduct a major orchestra.


A VERY disappointing performance, especially the 1st suite.  
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Offline pianomaestro88

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Re: Symphonic Dances op.45
Reply #10 on: January 04, 2004, 06:57:16 AM
Quote
Oh and what recordings/performances? I've seen a live performance, under Mickelthwate (greatest conducting genius in the history of 21st century Georgia [the state]). Ten times as shivery live.


Hmm...I seem to recall studying with Mickelthwate. Excellent experiences.

The Symphonic Dances is/are one/some of the most incredibly passionate orchestral piece(s) I know of. The intensity is grand. I also heard that performance and most, if not all, of the rehersals and it was extremely invigorating and passionate; those Germans, they sure are passionate musicians, eh Rach3? (I refer of course to Mickelthwate and not the composer).
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Offline Rach3

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Re: Symphonic Dances op.45
Reply #11 on: January 04, 2004, 08:53:37 AM
WOW! You studied with Mickelthwate?  ;D

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Offline pianomaestro88

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8)Re: Symphonic Dances op.45
Reply #12 on: January 05, 2004, 02:49:47 AM
Yes, I studied with Mickelthwate! You know he plays the cello and conducts and plays the piano--quite a talent, eh?  8)
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Offline pianomaestro88

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Re: Symphonic Dances op.45
Reply #13 on: January 05, 2004, 02:53:05 AM
Oh, and Rach3 did you hear the recording?
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Offline Rach3

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Re: Symphonic Dances op.45
Reply #14 on: January 05, 2004, 07:11:45 AM
Am getting it later this month, along with Tristan and the Engima variations.  8)

Currently I have only Slatkin.
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Offline pianomaestro88

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Re: Symphonic Dances op.45
Reply #15 on: January 05, 2004, 11:41:04 PM
Ooo! I do hope you can hear the exhausting stomps and buzzes of the great Flummerfelt!  ;D
Let me know how the Rachmaninoff sounds, though.
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Offline Rach3

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Re: Symphonic Dances op.45
Reply #16 on: January 06, 2004, 04:35:39 AM
Yes, Flummy WAS great!  ;D

Quote
A VERY disappointing performance, especially the 1st suite.


I'm sorry you found it dissapointing. Having just listened to it, I can attest to its incredible vivacity and accuracteness, thanks to the GENIUS of Mr. Ax. The first suite was ESPECIALLY good (the second was the weaker, imho). Perhaps they could afford to pick up the tempo a bit here and there... (I want Argerich...) but the symphonic colors extracted from the piano were marvelous. A very compelling performance.

Listen carefully at about 6:35 of the first suite and you can hear Bronfman humming!

Not quite Flummerfelt but...

Ok, I plan to get Argerich too, what's she like with this? Who does she record with? I expect she's fast, this is just the kind of piece she could use to flametorch audiences speechless.

I also need a new score, my current one has been "BORROWED".  >:(
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Offline thracozaag

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Re: Symphonic Dances op.45
Reply #17 on: January 07, 2004, 06:01:52 PM
Quote
Yes, Flummy WAS great!  ;D


I'm sorry you found it dissapointing. Having just listened to it, I can attest to its incredible vivacity and accuracteness, thanks to the GENIUS of Mr. Ax. The first suite was ESPECIALLY good (the second was the weaker, imho). Perhaps they could afford to pick up the tempo a bit here and there... (I want Argerich...) but the symphonic colors extracted from the piano were marvelous. A very compelling performance.

Listen carefully at about 6:35 of the first suite and you can hear Bronfman humming!

Not quite Flummerfelt but...

Ok, I plan to get Argerich too, what's she like with this? Who does she record with? I expect she's fast, this is just the kind of piece she could use to flametorch audiences speechless.

I also need a new score, my current one has been "BORROWED".  >:(


 I guess if you attest to the "vivacity and accuratness", we have quite different views on what makes up a great performance.  
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