Pelle Gudmundsen-Holmgreen (b. 1932)

[Maciek]

This Danish composer is among my favorite contemporary composers.

I especially like his Triptykon for percussion and orchestra from 1985. One of my favorite pieces of all time. I find it absolutely brilliant. The general premise is so simple yet mesmerizing in implementation. Basically it's that the orchestral parts of the first 2 movements are superimposed in the 3rd movement.

There's a strange affinity between Gudmundsen's musical premises and those of Pawel Szymanski (the idea of dissecting the musical material), though the results are completely different: two sound worlds very far apart.

He has a nice fan-made page here.

[bhodges]

I'm a big fan of his work, too, although I haven't heard much.  This disc below has become a favorite of mine, with For Cello and Orchestra (1996), Frère Jacques (1964) and Concerto Grosso for String Quartet and Symphonic Ensemble (1990) - all fascinating in their own ways. 



I think I have the Danish National Radio Choir in some of his choral works, too, but have to check. 

--Bruce

[Maciek]

Yes, that's a pretty good disc. And the choir one is excellent too. I'd add the one with his chamber pieces played by LINensemble (also on dacapo). These four (don't forget Tryptikon!) would make a nice "essential Gudmundsen-Holmgreen" set.

[bhodges]

My next trip to Academy I will look for Triptykon!  And I've seen that chamber music CD, too, but just haven't bitten yet.  (You know, sometimes you just want to listen to that Beethoven guy.  But only sometimes.  )

--Bruce

[not edward]

I once turned down the opportunity to buy the disc including Triptykon cheaply. Apparently that was a bit of an 'oops.'

[Maciek]

Sorry, keep getting the y and the i mixed up in that title.

[Maciek]

Just noticed this on amazon:




Release date: 28th Oct. Thank goodness it's hybrid. Straight to the top of my wish list it goes!

[bhodges]

Thanks for the heads-up, Maciek.  That does look really tasty--and more great cover art, too. 

--Bruce

[Maciek]

Noticed only now that amazon has the back cover:


The piece "for string quartet and ocean" looks promising.

[some guy]

Nice one, Maciek! Thanks. I just bought the only Gudmundsen-Holmgreen in the corner record store, his For Cello and Orchestra (shades of Feldman in the title there), Frere Jacques, and concerto grosso for string quartet and symphonic ensemble.

I've only listened to it once, but that was a good listen. I'll be buying more, I'm sure.

[Symphonic Addict]

To be released on 5 July. String quartets 7-10.

[foxandpeng]

To be released on 5 July. String quartets 7-10.

Thank you, my friend. I very much look forward to these. The first volume covering 1 - 6 was really enjoyable after my initial battles with it 😊

Hard won ground is always worthwhile.

[Symphonic Addict]

Thank you, my friend. I very much look forward to these. The first volume covering 1 - 6 was really enjoyable after my initial battles with it 😊

Hard won ground is always worthwhile.

Yes, a very challenging composer. Long ago I heard his Concerto grosso for string quartet and orchestra. Impressed by how busy and dense the music was.

[not edward]

To be released on 5 July. String quartets 7-10.

thanks for the heads-up, have been wondering when this would finally arrive

[pjme]

I'm happy to see that this little clip is still on YT - Pelle dancing to Triptychon! 
Dionysos rules!

On YT: Triptykon with Gert Mortensen and the Polish Radio Orchestra / Antoni Wit in 1998.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzPd5yZcDGQ