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. . . if my last reply in that thread seemed a bit too harsh), I'm going to indulge myself about my favorite bete noir composer: Dmitri Shostakovitch. This came about by accident.
You may or may not have noticed that I haven't been posting about the latest new recordings on Apple Music for the last two or three weeks. This was partially because my schedule was so insane, but also because I didn't find the new releases over this time period to be as compelling as usual. That changed last Friday as the new releases for last week appeared, and (be still o my heart!) what should appear but a new recording of Maximilian Steinberg's Symphony No. 3 - I think this is the premiere recording of the work. It's on the Fuga libera label (2Ch only BTW - no Dolby Atmos), with Dmitri Filatov and the Ural Youth SO.
As you can see from the following track list, Steinberg's Symphony is shown on the first four tracks, while its disc-mate, Shostakovitch's suite from his ballet, "The Bolt", is shown on the final six:
I was very excited to hear the Steinberg work, but, as I started to play back the recording, my excitement turned to puzzlement, as I thought to myself, "This sure doesn't sound like Steinberg's other music!". Moreover, as I looked at the track timings, they did not look consistent with the timings of a symphony, although Steinberg's work was written in 1928, so I supposed anything could possible. As I proceeded to the second track, I became even more disappointed, as the music betrayed an obviousness which I do not associate with Steinberg's other music which I've heard. It just got worse and worse, as one stupid phrase succeeded another stupid phrase in the most idiotic manner. Just as I was figuring what had happened, Ms. CfL came down the stairs, demanding to know "What is that godawful CRAP you're playing?". By this time, I kind of knew what had happened, and I replied, "Just be patient for a few more tracks!". Once I got to track 7, the solution to the mystery was confirmed: Steinberg's Symphony was actually on tracks 7, 8, 9 and 10 - not 1, 2, 3 and 4, which contained the first four tracks of the Shostakovitch Suite. Just to be sure, I checked IMSLP, which, surprisingly, had a score of Steinberg's Third Symphony. The first movement matched up to track 7 on this recording, and so everything was confirmed. The godawful CRAP which Ms. CfL was complaining about was in fact the Shostakovitch, with its stupidity and evocations of mindless circus music. Originally, I hadn't intended to listen to the Shostakovitch tracks at all, but I'd been tricked!
I was kind of mad at Apple, because I blamed them for screwing up the order of the tracks. But no - Apple was innocent, as I verified by checking other sources, including Native DSD (link below). The screw-up seems to lie with Fuga libera itself. I can only hope that Steinberg's reputation is not harmed by the company's mistake in the "metadata" for this recording.
Getting away from the music itself, the performances are amazing - I would never have believed that this was a youth orchestra on this album! And the 2Ch engineering is great, with extended, full (yet clear) bass. Since Steinberg's Symphony is a bit a elusive on first hearing, I'm eagerly anticipating getting to know the work through repeated listenings - now that I know which tracks to listen to! ;-)
Follow Ups:
Ok, I realize that this is a subjective account of certain sound combinations that you were hearing...In keeping with this fact, you go on to imply that your musical displeasure has something to do with the "obviousness" of this music. But, could you expound further?
What constitutes "obviousness" in the making of music ?
What is it that makes a musical phrase "stupid" ?
And finally, what constitutes an "idiotic manner" in the making of a "stupid" musical phrase ?
Inquiring minds would like to know...
Edits: 11/19/24 11/19/24 11/19/24
Obviousness of the music: it's hackneyed, without distinction, sounding lazy, as if not much effort was required to come up with it. Yes, I realize that I've just added other words to my original use of "obviousness". But perhaps that rounds out the descriptor a bit more?Stupid music: it's the type of music that anyone with half a brain could think of. For instance, some of the music was a feeble attempt at humor - but the attempt sounded no better (IMHO - remember, we're being subjective here!) than what was composed for zillions of "humorous" TV commercials from the 50's.
Idiotic manner: the attempt to pad an already stupid musical phrase with low quality sequences and repetition, possibly combined with all too obvious (there's that word again!) orchestration - e.g., one phrase played by a solo piccolo, the next phrase played by a bass (B-flat) tuba. Yeah, that's real wit - not! And besides, it's been used innumerable times by other composers
However, the whole discussion may all boil down to a similarity to Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart's definition of "pornography" (in a 1964 decision): "I know it when I see it!" In the case of Shostakovitch's musical defects, I know them when I hear them! ;-)
BTW, have you heard the music in question yourself? Do you have an opinion on it?
EDIT: I just realized that you didn't seem too interested in the definition of "godawful CRAP". But maybe you're familiar with that concept already? ;-)
Edits: 11/20/24
Surprising as it may seem to some, I agree entirely with Chris' assessment and description of Shostakovitch's music.
When Stravinsky was asked to name some other Russian composers, he thought a moment then said, "Well, there's Tchaikovsky."
And, once again, I apologize if my answer to your Khatia post below was overly harsh!
As for Shostakovitch, I have to admit that there are SOME things I like - but they are few and far between. I kind of like his "patriotic" cantatas, such as "Song of the Forests" or "The Sun Shines Over Our Motherland", and I find the first Cello Concerto not bad at all.
Shostakovich may require some dumpster diving. There are gems to be found amid the trash, although I'm guessing no two people will agree. For me, the first and the last three of his symphonies are masterpieces, while most of the others are just too loud and too long for their musical material.
One of the only Shosty recordings I really like...
But now, you have me interested in reviewing my collection of "godawful CRAP" once again...
Thanks, for that ! I won't forget to wipe afterwards.
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