Suite Recommendations

Lately, my mind has been consumed with Suites, particularly those from the modern era, though any time period piques my interest. After translating several lengthy documents and researching on Suite composers, along with details like instrumentation, composer backgrounds, and historical context, I thought it would be helpful to share some simplified recommendations for you to listen to, without overwhelming you with too much information.

Edward McDowell : Indian Suite – MacDowell’s Indian Suite (1893) is a beautiful piece that blends classical music with what MacDowell thought represented Native American culture: mostly reduced to a stereotypical, "noble savage" image. The music itself is captivating, making it to be one of my favourite Late Romantic Era pieces. However, it’s important to remember that the “Indian” in the title doesn’t actually refer to Native American traditions but rather a romanticized, often stereotypical view of them. It’s a stunning piece to listen to, but when you dig deeper, you can’t ignore how it reflects the colonial mindset and racism of the time. The way Native American culture is portrayed feels more like a distant fantasy than an authentic representation, and that’s something to consider while enjoying the music.

Béla Bartók - Tanz-Suite : Bartók’s Dance Suite is a lively and energetic work, capturing the idea of a from Hungarian folk music, as expected from a Hungarian. The entire piece is full of rhythmic complexity and rich textures (I'm hoping not to play it any time soon, I'd prefer to listen.), but the third movement, Allegro Vivace, is something truly special. It’s fast, frantic, and full of raw energy—almost like a musical representation of a wild folk dance (, and my ADHD). The way Bartók plays with rhythm here is genius, creating this pulse that keeps building, pulling you in and never letting go. It’s both playful and intense, and you can feel the tension in every note. If you're into vibrant, high-energy music that keeps you on your toes; or if you're on a deadline this movement is a must-listen.

Gara Garayev - 7 Krasavits (7 Beauties) Ballet Suite : There’s something about discovering a new Turkic composer that always gets me excited, and Garayev is no exception. 7 Krasavits has this enchanting quality to it—it feels like stepping into a magical forest to explore something with your DnD buddies. The music is both dramatic and delicate, and the way it flows with such dreamy melodies makes it feel like a story unfolding. Honestly, I’d be more than eager to play this with an orchestra.

Dmitri Shostakovic - Suite for Jazz Orchestra No. 1 : This is easily one of my favorite jazz suites. Shostakovich captures such playful, bold energy, blending classical with jazz in a way that feels fresh and exciting. I do wish there was a place for oboes in the mix. What makes this suite even more fascinating is how Shostakovich’s fascination with Jewish and Romani melodies (from early childhood, influenced by his father) likely influenced its unique sound, giving it an even deeper layer, while sounding nothing like the era's all too familiar sound of American Jazz. It gives off almost a cabaret-like sound, which I absolutely adore. Plus, there’s the subtle reflection of of the struggles and tensions in Russia at the time, perhaps influenced by Shostakovich’s own experiences. It’s a brilliant combination of complexity and joy.

Isaac Albéniz - Suite Espanola Op. 47 : This suite beautifully blends Spanish folk music with classical style, capturing the essence of a dream-like state. While I don't know much about Spanish composers, after discovering this suite, Albeniz will be a frequently played composer of mine now. Listening to it feels like you’re floating on top of the clouds or walking through a daisy field. For the best experience, definitely check out Alicia de Larrocha’s performance; she’s one of the best Spanish pianists out there, and her interpretation is almost perfect. It’s a must-listen.

That’s all I’ve got for now, as I’m barely keeping my eyes open. I still have a document to finish. But if you want more recommendations or want to dive deeper into any of these, feel free to reach out. I’m still pretty new to music criticism, so I’m totally open to any feedback. Much love - Naomi.