NIKOLAI
MYASKOVSKY (1881-1950): Violin Concerto in d, Op. 44
--Vadim Repin, vn; Kirov Orchestra/Valery Gergiev, cond
Philips CD 473 343 (www.universalclassics.com) |
| Born
the same year that Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto premiered
(that work also on this CD), Miaskovsky was not a self-promoter,
though with 27 symphonies and 13 string quartets, surely he
had something to crow about. This is one of only two concertos
from him (the other for cello), in a conservative, romantic
style only slightly removed from Tchaikovsky and Brahms. Make
a new friend. |
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JEAN
BARRIERE (1707-1747): Duet Sonata No. 10 in G for Cellos
--Patrick and Thomas Demenga, vcl
ECM New Series CD-1695 (www.ecmrecords.com)
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| The
'sorbet' in the midst of an album's program of intense contemporary
scores, this remarkable duet puts two cellos (gambas, originally?)
into perfect balance, sensuously interwoven counterpoint. Breathtaking
sonics. |
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"Perspectives:
Mitsuko Uchida"
MOZART: Piano Sonata in a, K. 310 (3rd movement)
DEBUSSY: Etude No. 1 ("pour les cinq doigts")
SCHUBERT: Moments Musicaux No. 3 in f, D. 780
SCHOENBERG: 6 Little Piano Pieces, Op. 19
--Mitsuko Uchida, p
Philips CD 473 686 (www.universalclassics.com)
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Born
in Tokyo, raised in Vienna, now living in London, Ms. Uchida returns
this season from a years sabbatical with renewed enthusiasm for
concertizing. This 2CD set includes retrospective performances
from 1986-2001 of composers whose music she particularly favors.
And in performances such as these, we favor them, and her, too.
NOTE:
Uchida performs February 6, 2003 at the Ordway Center in St. Paul,
for the Schubert Club www.schubert.org
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JOHANNES
BRAHMS (1833-1897): Sonata No. 3 (4th movement)
BRAHMS: Intermezzo in C, Op. 119, no. 3; Intermezzo in
A, Op. 76, no. 6
--Earl Wild, piano (recorded at ages 85 and 87)
Ivory Classics CD-72008 (www.ivoryclassics.com)
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| The
venerable and still viable American virtuoso proves a point, with
style. |
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FELIX
BLUMENFELD (1863-1931): 24 Preludes, Op. 17 (1892)
--Philip Thomson, piano
Ivory Classics CD-71002 (www.ivoryclassics.com)
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| Remembered
amongst the piano elite as teacher of Vladimir Horowitz, Blumenfeld's
own noteable contributions to the virtuoso repertoire are sadly
overlooked these days. Thus, these claimed 'world premiere' recordings
do double duty, to refresh our memory about Blumenfeld (think of
the Chopin 'Preludes' in Russia) and remind us again of the commanding
virtuosity of the young Canadian soloist featured here. More than
curious. |
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"Canto
a mi Caballero: The Tradition of Antonio de Cabezon"
--Capriccio Stravagante/Skip Sempe, director
Astree Naïve CD-8651 (www.naïve.fr)
|
| These
are 'stravagante' ensemble elaborations upon Cabezon's solo keyboard
originals. Lutes, harp, virginals, viols, guitars and a recorder
make up a richly textured band, and these popular tunes from years
ago become luscious and lively again. Not to be missed! |
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ILDEBRANDO
PIZZETTI (1880-1968): Piano Concerto (Songs of the High Season)
--Susanna Stefani, p; Robert-Schumann-Philharmonic/Oleg Caetani,
cond.
Marco Polo CD-8.225058 (ww.naxos.com)
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| Pizzetti,
one of several composers of his generation who attempted a 'reform'
of the romantic excess of Italian musicŠand a reassertion of
instrumental music to at least a parity with operaŠsucceeds
splendidly in this melody-filled, athletic, finely wrought score.
"Rachmaninoff from the South"? Satisfying performances
reveal a new 'favorite'. Enjoy! |
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