Expert: Stephen Levine - 5/14/2011

Question
Hi,

I am currently somewhat obsessed with Arvo Parts 3rd Symphony (and have been for suite some time now).
This is my all time favorite piece of classical music.
Dark, yet intensely emotive; a tremendously moving piece of music.

I have yet to find anything that strikes the same chord with me (no pun intended).
A close second would be Gorecki's 3rd. Another fave would be "Adagio" by Samuel Barber.

Based on the above, can you recommend a couple of specific pieces of music? I have tried quite a few of the romantic composers (Shosty, Tchaikovsky, Sibelius, etc.) and even the modernists (Glass, Reich, Nyman) and although I like alot of their material, nothing I have found yet, has floored me. I may just be looking in the wrong areas...

Alot of what I have found sounds too bombastic and "poppy" to me...maybe too happy? I have no idea if that makes any sense. That said, I do like the more emotive pieces that have multiple "peaks" and "valleys", like what is found in Parts 3rd.

I happen to find John Barrys Instrumental Suite for the film score for Indecent Proposal, quite beautiful and moving as well.

Would you be able to recommend any specific pieces to me, based on  my above likes/dislikes?

Thank you!

Answer
it's difficult because taste by it's very nature is subjective..
try the John Barry Suite (orchestral). I think it's called the "beyondness of nothing" or something like that...i'm sure google will help you..the recording is with the English Chamber Orchestra
it's gorgeous.
Also I would recommend Britten. Try the 4 sea interludes from "Peter Grimes" to start.

Also Richard Strauss 4 last songs.
Steve