1885 in Music

I have yet to hear any music published in 1885, apparently. Once I have, this page will have reviews.

1. Gabriel Faure: Barcarole No. 3 in G-flat major, Op. 42 (8/10)

The third barcarole is the first one that immediately feels like Faure to me. I don’t know if that’s fair, but that’s what I hear. I like it more just about instantly, as it has more of the things I like about Faure’s piano music than the first two. (I.e. it reminds me of one of his nocturnes, just a titch.)

2. Gabriel Faure: Barcarole No. 2 in G major, Op. 41 (7/10)

Maybe it’s just the style of these, but this one also sounds pretty traditional to me, though it’s certainly more ambitious than the first piece in the series. (What I hear as “traditional” is apparently just “Italian.”) Until about 80 seconds it, it doesn’t really grab me and feels very unlike Faure. But after that point it sounds much more in his wheelhouse, which I find much more appealing.

3. Edvard Grieg: Holberg Suite, op. 40* (7/10)

This “Holberg” is the orchestral version, so I just have to throw my music snobbery out and say “Gol, I wish it was the original.” That being said, and even though I am not really into classicism, I see a kind of bravery in making such unabashedly traditional music at the height of the romantic era. Oh yeah, and the “Andante” is part of our consciousness now, so there’s that.