7 Comments

I adore the Korngold. I read somewhere that if it sounds to you like film soundtracks, it's because every composer of film soundtracks is just trying to reproduce Korngold

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That’s very true! His film scores became a template for that big Hollywood sound directors wanted. He actually lifted the main melody of this Romanze from his score to “Anthony Adverse.”

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So inspiring on my walk today, a sunny day in Spain. I’ve never heard that Korngold piece nor the Rameau. Janet Baker and Yo-Yo Ma fabulous as always. Thank you, Michael.

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Thanks, Anne! Glad there were a few discoveries for you in the mix. 💙

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I’m so bewildered that I never knew about Korngold (and, gasp, Kings Row!!)… so you sent me into a deep rabbit hole there! What a pivotal influence!! I also really loved Sea Pictures… “isles in elfin light”! Ahhh and I needed that vitamin D from Yo-Yo Ma in the dappled light of the Smokys!

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Thanks, Katie! You're not alone in discovering the Korngold — orchestras have only begun programming his concert works in the past several years, and there's so much ground to cover!

In fact, the overwhelming response to this movement of his Violin Concerto has me thinking I need to feature it in an essay this year. Korngold's story is one of incredible sadness and resilience — a perfect fit for Shades. 💙

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Oooo please do!! I shared this with my mom who’s a big John Williams fan and she didn’t know about Korngold either!

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