Ives recommendations please

I've heard him mentioned so many times in this group. The few cds I have are ok, but the only piece I love is 'unanswered question'. Can the group perhaps suggest some pieces which make clear why he is so popular here. Note: I don't have a problem with atonal/serial works.

Try Bernstein's recordings of Symphonies 2 & 3 on Sony:
http://shopping.yahoo.com/shop?d=product&id=1921537234

Dave Cook

Oops, I didn't notice that that one was out of print. Try this one instead:
http://shopping.yahoo.com/shop?d=product&id=1921542254

Dave Cook

Try Ives: An American Journey with SFSO, Tilson Thomas and Thomas Hampson. RCA 9026637032

Yes, absolutely; that is a terrific record. It would be nice to know what you have heard that you don't like. I should think that anyone who likes Unanswered Question also would enjoy Three Places in New England. The symphonies are a mixed bag; for me, ##1-3 are among Ives' least interesting compositions, but the 4th is awesome and 'Holidays' is a delight.

Do you know the String Quartets (both wonderful, in two radically different styles)? The Violin Sonatas? Songs and choral music (the setting of Psalm 90 is overwhelming)? The 'Concord' Sonata? And then there's all that amusing stuff, from the Variations on America.to the delightful discoveries in the James Sinclair anthologies.

I have the 'orpheus chamber orchestra' on DG (439 869 2) doing an excellent (to my ears) 'three pieces' which is very good. 'A set of pieces' is good too, but not as keen on Symphony #3 or 'set no. 1'. I also have Stokowski's 'Second orchestral suite' which is interesting but probably not the best version. I say that because it comes just after his L'Ascension (by Messiaen) which is nowhere near as good as two other versions I have of it (far too fast).

It's not that I don't like the tracks above; just that for some he is a giant, mentioned in the same breath as Schoenberg, Stravinsky, Bartok etc. It's like I've got the b-sides - but where are the number one singles?

I'll keep an eye out for these - thanks.

Try Ormandy's recording of the first symphony. I've been listening to it a lot the past couple weeks and have really come to love it. It's available as part of the Sony Essential Classics line.

Three Places in New England Second Piano Sonata 'Concord' alongside his 'Essays before a Sonata' The Third and Fourth Symphonies and the Second String Quartet

You're going to have a great time!

The 4th is a pastiche. As a symphony the 3rd beats it 6 ways from Sunday. It's good stuff, and if you pay attention you hear things that'll startle you. Then when you think you 'have his number', hear 'Silence Unaccompanied'. The guy was a 'Connecticut Janacek', except he didn't make a 'Cunning Little Vixen'.

Listening to Ives while reading Grisham won't work; you need to Pay Attention.

At the risk of bringing down the entire American politically correct muisical establishmen, I would suggest that it doesn't really matter what you choose to listen to. Just make sure that you have taken the opportunity to buy some 'Ives Insurance'. This stuff is very damaging to the ears and the brain and may lead to a variety of side-effects, such as the inability to discern a melody for several years. In any event, consult your doctor.

The old bugger had it covered both ways. In the end, perhaps the insurance business was his most successful venture.

Tom Deacon