[mbhaub]

Here's something fun to try: listen to a work in its original orchestral guise, then in a chamber version. Very interesting, and certain to shed new light on why you like certain works. Unfortunately, the pool is limited.

Atterberg Symphony no. 6. There are several fine orchestral recordings, and one of the piano quintet version on Marco Polo.

Pfitzners Symphony in C also exists as a string quartet.

Beethoven Symphony 7 is also available as a wind nonet(?) version.

Then of course are the transcriptions by others:

Schoenberg arranged the Brahms g-minor quartet for full orchestra (staggeringly good arrangement).

Mahler arranged the Schubert Death and the Maiden quartet for full string section (not that much of a change, frankly).

Schoenberg and others arranged the Mahler 4th and Das Lied for small ensemble.

I also have a recording of Ravel orchestal music written for wind quintet which is utterly amazing. Beautiful disk.

 

[oulker]

Quote:

Schoenberg arranged the Brahms g-minor quartet for full orchestra (staggeringly good arrangement)

Yes, I love this arrangement, especially the recording of Robert Craft with Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

 

[Romis]

I definitely prefer chamber music. Yes there is a big difference between old music and 20th century.. but I like both.