Re: GG: Transcriptions

[Bradley P Lehman <bpl@umich.edu>]

On Fri, 3 Sep 1999, Thayer A wrote:

> I recently got a recording of the Strauss Metamorphosen (the one by Ormandy)
> and I can see how GG thought it such a great a work. I don't know of any
> other piece with a similar level of structure combined with such a level of
> emotional intensity. If anyone knows of any works in the same kind of style
> (along with Verklarte Nacht) I'd be interested to know. 

Shostakovich quartets, some of which have been transcribed as "chamber
symphonies".

Berg violin concerto.

Allan Pettersson symphonies (start with #7).

Misha Rachlevsky has a series of chamber orchestra albums on Claves with
this type of pieces.  He seems to be the most recent specialist in slow,
sorrowful string music.  Search for "Rachlevsky" at
http://www.claves.ch/claves_db98.htm

Janacek quartets.

You might also enjoy the Schubert string quintet in C...the slow movement.

For the "Metamorphosen" itself, check out the Slowik/Smithsonian version
on BMG: the disc and booklet include a musical analysis with extensive
examples (printed and played).  But is this out of print already?!

Bradley Lehman | http://www-personal.umich.edu/~bpl/ | Dayton, VA, USA