LA Philharmonic, "LA Variations" etc.

[surfinmuse]

Okay I hope this isn't out of place or anything, but I was wondering if anyone here listens to classical music? Specifically, 20th Century "modern" music? Oh, I'll come right and admit it, specifically the piece Esa Pekka-Salonen wrote for his big bad wonderful LA Phil, titled LA Variations.

Sigh. I've had this recording for a while, along with the full score, but I just got around to listening and reading it tonight (no TV here). Man this is an amazing work! Performance is flawless and irresistable, the recording is second-to-none as well in capturing the breathtaking detail and fearless (and dangerously effortless) virtuosity in the fantastic orchestrations.

It's a 20-minute tour-de-force for the orchestra, and not just any, but LA Phil, home of the best session players... combined. I love the way Esa-Pekka Salonen (conductor, composer) is so candid in the programme note about how "I wrote the LA Variations specifically for the players of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. I'm very proud of the virtuosity and power of my orchestra."

Not that I thought any less of them before, but talk about renewed respect for the LA Phil. And how about that Concert Hall.... Sigh.

Okay, thought I'd share this with ay classical music fanatics in this lounge. FYI, the recording is readily available on Amazon.com.