expressionist interpretations of classical music

Well, it's more a function of the composer than the performer. The composition has to have the right ingredients to be "expressionist," or else it would sound out of place. I would consider e.g. Tristan Murail somewhat expressionist, even when performed by the Ensemble Intercontemporain. Try murail's "Serendib," or his "Esprit des dunes."

A lot of postserial composition strikes me as a re-engagement with 'expressionism' in the first place. This doesn't include most Murail I've heard tho' I'll check out that disc someday...

I think "postserial" could then be perceived as a re-engagement with anything you like. Certainly, composers are not in a vacuum and with the technological advance and globalization, styles are even more cross-pollinated.

word

"I think "postserial" could then be perceived as a re-engagement with anything you like"

Don't see how you took that from what I said! But there is a strand of postserial music that deals with an 'expressionist' sound of say, Berg and Webern, as I hear it, but also moves away from it so as not to simply re-create in a traditionalist manner.

Well, it's more a function of the composer than the performer. i think this is wrong?? interpretation rests on the performer's shoulders

really i meant expressionist in the loosest terms-- only that almost all classical records i root thru in these endless boxes sound like corny bland midi arrangements-- there's no dynamic or emotion-- it sounds like retarded birdsongs

i heard bogus mahler and great mahler, depending on the flow of the conductor/orchestra

Well, that's classical music collecting for ya right there.

It takes a lot of effort to find a perf/rec of a specific piece that really HITS you the way you want. The balance between being precise and in control(with the danger of being too polite) vs. spontaneous and emotive (with the danger of being too sloppy) is hard to get right.

If you say what works you'v been finding lame performances of I might be able to point you to more intense ones. But can't guarantee they'd be findable in the same bargain vinyl bins.

How is Maderna on Mahler's 9th? Keep meaning to find a copy..

It's famous with Mahler geeks, supposed to be great, I've never had the opportunity to buy a copy. Also I have quite a few really good M9's already. But if I see the Maderna at Academy I'll def. buy it.

i think this is wrong?? interpretation rests on the performer's shoulders
"Expressionist performance" requires a work that is performable in an expressionist way. But it is performance, and thus can only be achieved by the performer.

But I guess you're referring to something different from what I thought you meant by "expressionist." You probably meant "expressive" rather than "expressionist."

(So, is this a thread about expressionist music or about good conductors?)