Chandos

Sir Arnold Bax

Concertante for Piano (Left Hand) and Orchestra, In Memoriam, The Bard of Dimbovetza

BBC Philharmonic conducted by Vernon Handley

Piano: Margaret Fingerhut

CHAN 9715

Sir Arnold Bax

The Symphonies

BBC Philharmonic conducted by Vernon Handley

CHAN 10122(5)

Sir Arnold Bax

Symphony No. 2 and Nympholept

London Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Bryden Thomson

The Second Symphony bears with it a catastrophic mood, opressive with its weight, that does not resolve itself except into even more abyssmal depths. Bax demonstrates his mastery of orchestral colour and sound clearly hear, his emotional canvas broad, drawing in the listener with each further chord. Written just after the Great War, this piece convincingly conveys a sort of languid dream that has been poisoned by the bloodshed, a dream of the happy days before. Nympholept, literally, "Caught by Nymphs" is a frolicking piece depicting a wanderer's ill-fated fortune to be beguiled by the wood nymphs, and trapped forever in their slyvan wood. Among British composers, perhaps none were better at painting a picture with music as was Bax, and here he is at his best.

CHAN 8493

Sir Arnold Bax

Symponhy No. 3, Dance of Wild Irravel, and Paean

London Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Bryden Thomson

Bax's third symphony yearns for some programme to contain the mystical half formed shrouds of its evocative embers. It's sombre disquiet pervades all three of his movement, in this his largest of symphonies. It also contains the first extended epilogue, a feature that would appear prominently in his later works, one in which he infused with dynamic thrust, and sometimes the most intersting material of all. Though at times in the churning melodrama, I find that I have a hard time holding onto the logic of the piece. It is hard to grasp at times, but is still a very convincing work. The other two selections are both short spirited dances, bearing the opposite mood of the symphony, a counterbalance to its titanic and mysterious gulfs.

CHAN 8454

Sir Arnold Bax

Symphony No. 4 and Tintagel

Ulster Orchestra conducted by Bryden Thomson

Bax's Fourth Symphony is, along with the first, his most boisterous and dynamic work. It opens with a ferocious angular theme that drives along with relentess impetus. Even after the initial fanfare disappears beneath the waves of orchestral colour and variation, it still lurks waiting to resurface at the end of the first movement. The other two movements are equally joyous, celebrations of life that do not often appear in Bax's symphonic oeuvre. Tintagel is anothe rof Bax's luscious tone poems, this one depicting a scene at the castle Tintagel overlooking the stormy Atlantic, while memories of ancient legends swirl through its halls like the spectre of memory, King ARthur, Tristan, and others appear in many guises throughout, but never clearly, as they are but indistinct visions. The works here are certianly some of Bax's more approachable, making this a CD required for any collector of either the music of Bax, or BRitish music in general.

CHAN 8312

Sir Arnold Bax

Symphony No. 5 and Russian Suite

The London Philharmonic conducted by Bryden Thomson

One of his most personal of works, the fifth Symphony bristles with passionate energy, from the maundering opening lines to the sensuous middle movement, all the way through to the triumphant epilogue. Here Bax gives us a taste of glory, not his usual refelctive contemplation, but unabashed victory. Written at the peak of his fame, before Walton and Vaughan-Williams would overshadow him, and he would begin the descent into unjust neglect, the Symphony is deicated to Sibelius, and manges to convincgly portray that Scandinvian otherworldliness, as well as maintain Bax's profundity for washes of thick orchestral sound. This Symphony is one of the crownin jewels in his repetoire. The Russian Suite was inspired by Diaghilev's ballets, and is influenced by Stravinsky and Ravel. I find them succulent works which can transport me from the magical shores of England into the cold forests of Russia, and the steppes of the Ukraine. This disc is one no muscial collector should be without.

CHAN 8669

Sir Arnold Bax

Winter Legends and Saga Fragment

London Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Bryden Thomson

Piano: Margaret Fingerhut

Though written for Piano and Orchestra, Winter Legends is most certainly not a Piano Concerto in the ordinary sense, for the Piano's role works in synthesis with the Orchestra, not for its own glory. Although like much of Bax's symphonic oeuvre, there is no definite programme, hints of Icelandic tales float about in writings and conversations Bax had about the work. The spirit of the piece captures the far North with subtle granduer, the long nights of winter find repose here. Saga Fragment was orchestrated from the Piano Quartet for Harriet Cohen to perform on a trip to America. It bears the same stormy contrasts that marked the first Symphony, though without the same sense of grandeur. An important album for any Bax collector.

CHAN 8484

Ernst von Dohnányi

Symphony No. 2 and Symphonic Minutes

BBC Philharmonic conducted by Matthias Bamert

This is the premiere recording of Dohnányi's Second Symhpony, a work that he wrote during the tumult of the second world war. It has a more angular feel than most of his works, with sharp-edged brass writing in the first movement and the Burla, which bear a militaristic intensity through much of their combined eighteen minutes. The Adagio is much more typical of this Hungarian's élan, sombre, and quite soothing after the nail biting Allegro. The finale is a set of variations on a J.S. Bach chorale, quite reflective, and very inventive, as it manages to conjure up the origal angular theme before launching into the coda. The Symphonic Minutes are each short compact movements which display orchestral pizzazz. Matthias Bamert brings rich life to both of these works, making this a very convincing selection for any interested in the Post romantic period, and a must for Dohnányi collectors.

CHAN 9455

Ernst von Dohnányi

The Veil of Pierrette, Suite in F# Minor, and Variations on a Nursery Theme

BBC Philharmonic conducted by Matthias Bamert

Piano: Howard Shelley

If there is one work that has kept Dohnányi's name from disappearing completely in the era before mass recordings, it is the Variations on a Nursery Theme. This seminal work for piano and orchestra, written "for the enjoyment of humorous people and the annoyance of others", displays Dohnányi's keen musical wit better than anything else he ever wrote, and certainly far in a way superior to what many of his contemporaries were doing. The combination of Bmert and Shelley brings this piece to fruitful life, a mesmerising performance that is not to be missed. Also on this album is a stellar recording of thre F# Minor Suite, which has some of the serious qualities of his two symphonies, but in a far lighter texture. It ends with slections from the Veilf of Pierrette, a comic mime that has not been heard much at all sinec its initial performance in 1910. It too demonstrates that one of Dohnányi's greatest assets as a composer was his ability to bring good humour to life in his music. For those unfamiliar with this Hungarian's work, this album represents an ideal place to start changing that.

CHAN 9733

Roddy Ellias, Keith Jarrett, Marjan Mozetich

Whale Spirit Rising

I Musici de Montréal conducted by Yuli Turovsky

elegies are often written by compsores when one whom they knew well has died. Rarely though is the Elegy used as the centrepiece for a program, or a CD, as is the case with these three works. Each of these pieces is written for String Orchestra, though Ellias title work includes a baritone saxophone who in many places emulates whale song. The mood of the entire is disk is somber, reflective, and both melancholy and hopeful. An eganging selection of twentieth century composition.

CHAN 9748

Zdenek Fibich

Complete Symphonies

Detroit Symphony Orchestra conducted by Neeme Järvi

This set brings together all the Symphonies of Czech composer Zdenek Fibich. Neeme Järvi and the Detropit Symphony Orchestra give high quality readsing of all three symphonies, making this certainly one of the best albums to purchase if one is interested in Fibich. However, even with repeated listenings, I have found myself unable to feel truly captivated by these works. They are capable, full of lively tunes, harmonies, and the form is impeccable. However, to my ears, there is not much depth to them. So, while certainly pleasant to listen to, I would only recommend this to those with an interest in either Fibich of Eastern European music in particular.

CHAN 9682(2)

Steven R. Gerber

Symphony No. 1, Viola Concerto, Triple Overtue, Dirge and Awakening

Russian Philharmonic conducted by Thomas Sanderling

Viola: Lars Anders Tomter

Violin: Elvira Bekova

Cello: Alfia Bekova

Piano: Eleonora Bekova

Gerber's recent idiom is very much in the Late Romantic strain as these works, all written between 1988 and 1998 testify. Every single one of them is a first recording, and probably the first time much of Gerber's music has been heard in the Western world. His works have enjoyed popularity in the former Soviet Union, but have been neglected in the United States and Europe.

CHAN 9831

Guilmant/Widor/Franck

Organ Works

BBC Philharmoic conducted by Yan Pascal Tortelier

Organ: Ian Tracey

I purchased this album simply from a desire to hear other symphonics works where the organ plays a prominant role. Familiar with both the Saint-Säens and Copland Organ Symphonies, I was eager to hea rother examples. The two works on this disc are much more in keeping with the Saint-Säens of course, as Guilmant and Widor were his contemporaries. That said, they are quite original in concept, mood, and scope. The Guilmant feels as if it is a triumphant affirmation of life from the very simple melodies stated at the outset. The organ acts almost like a heavenly instrument, speaking a blessing from God upon the music. Thwe Widor is more sober and dark, contemplative and stormy, though it too ends glittering triumph. The Franck Chorale is a massive cyclic passcaglia, though each new note speaks of the Belgian's mastery of the medium. Although only the Widor speaks with any real depth, the works here on this disc are delightful, engaging, and prime examples of why the organ ought to be used more frequently in symphonic music.

CHAN 9785

Paul Hindemith

Mass and other works for Unaccompanied Choir

The Danish National Radio CHoir conducted by Uwe Gronostay

Hindemith as a composer is equally facile in almost any genre of classical music. This disc encompasses almost his entire output for unaccompanied chorus. The Six Songs come from early in his life, while the madrigals from near the end. Both are pleasing works in that older style where the most reliable of music instruments was the voice. The Mass is the only one that Hindemith wrote, and while it is austere in style and with the characteristic Hindemith dissonance that doesn't really seem like dissonance, it is nevertheless challenging even for virtuoso choirs. Definitely a recommendation for anyone who enjoys the music of this twentieth century composer.

CHAN 9413

Alun Hoddinott

Symphony No. 6

BBC National Orchestra of Wales conducted by Bryden Thomson

Soprano: Lillian Watson

Hoddinott is one of the leading Welsh composers still currently at work. His Sixth Symphony marks a return to the Symphonic form for him, after writing five Operas in the 70s and 80s. But it is also his first single movement work. It is a continuously unfolding drama, beginning with a soft peal of clanging bells that solidify the home tonality. The Symphony ranges far from the home, but is constantly drawn back, and reachs it in a triumphant conclusion. Lanterne des morts was inspired by the bee-hive shaped constructions in which lamps were placed in France. It is a very atmospheric and majestic work that I quite adore. A Contemplation upon Flowers was written for Soprano and Orchestra and is a ver yloveley set of songs. The Scena is built in an arch form, and has the ruggen but firm command of tonality that marks Hoddinott's works. All in all, an excellent compilation.

CHAN 8762

Leevi Madetoja

Symphonies No. 1 & 2

Iceland Symphony Orchestra conducted by Petri Sakari

Madetoja is probably the most important of the post-Sibelius Finnish composers. And in hearing his music, one can at places feel the Sibelius in him. Yet for most of these two symphonies (he wrote a third as well), it is Madetoja's own voice that resounds. The first symphony is youthful, but with a mature air that makes itself felt, especially in the final movement. The final march-like progression in the last movement feels like a man standing up to do what he has been waiting to do all his life, but instead of with joy, it is done with nobility. The last chord (a surprising A Major chord), brings the piece to an uplifting conclusion. The second symphony, writted during the First World War, is far more tragic and brooding. Whereas the first symphony ends with fanfare, this one simply ends with resignation, as if the terrible fate predicted in its early pages has come to pass and we must simply accept that fate. Overall, I was very pleased with this disc.

CHAN 9115

Stokowski's Mussorgsky

BBC Philharmonic conducted by Matthias Bamert

These are not quite the familiar masterpieces from Mussorgsky's pen, but insterad arrangements of them done by the artful condutor Leopold Stokowski. A Night on Bare Mountain is the same version that was used in Disney's Fantasia, and is thus possesses quite a few different features and turns than does Mussorgsky's own. The Synthesis of Boris Gudonov brings together many of the highlights from the famous opera, including the fabled coronation scene. Stokowski's transcription of Pictures at an Exhibition is more "Russian" than Ravel's more famous arrangement, with more grotesque turns and orchestrations, especially in Gnomus and Baba Yaga. Again, Bamert does a masterful job at bringing these works to life, and they are each a joy to hear again and again. However, as these are relatively well known quantities, I feel that a collector need only buy this CD to round out their collection.

CHAN 9445

Sergey Rachmaninov

Transcriptions for Orchestra

Detroit Symphony Orchestra conducted by Neeme Järvi

Piano: Alan Kogosowski

For connoissuers of Rachmaninoff, this transcrition of the Elégaique Trio into a Concerto is a luscious delight. It is a bold recasting, which maintains as much of the original piano line as possible, though bringing out the symphonic textures that were a bit over the top for a simple trio. Written in mourning after Tchaikovsky's death, it is full of somber Russian sorrow, melancholy, and tempered rage. The Variations on a Theme of Corelli is a precursor to the more well-known Rhapsody on a Theme of Paginini. While it does not have the charm of the Rhapsody, it does possess a forceful lyricism and ingenuity of invention that make it a fine addition to the symphonic repetoire. The Vocalise is a familiar pieec, and the performance here is both stirring and charming. For those interested in the music of Rachmaninoff, this is a fine disc to furnish one's collection.

CHAN 9261

Sir Michael Tippett

Symphony No. 1 and Piano Concerto

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra conducted by Richard Hickox

Piano: Howard Shelley

I must confess even after repeated listening to this I do not quite have a feel for Tippett's musical language. While both recordings on this disc are pleasing to the ear in many respects, their purpose and structure continue to elude me. The recording itself is of good quality, the orchestra is clear, and Howard Shelley's playing is thoughtful and suited well to the piece. While I am certainly interested in hearing more of Tippett's music, I will probably spend more time trying to come to grips with these pieces first. If you are interested in British Symphonic music though, this would be a good CD to add to your collection.

CHAN 9333

Johannes Verhulst

Symphony in E Minor and Overtures

Residentie Orchestra The Hague conducted by Matthias Bamert

Verhuslt was one of the most important Dutch composers of the nineteenth century. He studied under Mendelssohn, and his own musical language reflects this, especially in the early overtures. The Symphony is also an early work, but far grander in style, and the final two movements hint at the mastery that he would attain in later years. This CD has convinced me that I would like to see how he progressed, but the music by itself does not capture my interest. Still, it makes for pleasant listening.

CHAN 10179

Sir William Walton

Symphony No. 1 and Varii Capricci

The London Philharmonic conducted by Bryden Thomson

Sir William Walton burst onto the musical scene with his First Symphony. It was original, breathtaking, powerful in scope, and up to that day, practically unheard of in England from a British composer. The hardedged first movement to the frenetic scherzo, to the bitter reciminations of the andante and finally the majestic finale, this is a tour de force. Thomson's treatment of the material is fairly standard - no ground is being broken in this recording. However, it is a pleasing and convincing performance of this symphonic masterpiece. The Varii Capricci are suite written in Walton's later style full of ligh tunes and pleasing turns. It is much lighter than the Symphony, but provides a decent compliment to the major work recorded here.

CHAN 8862

Takashi Yoshimatsu

Symphony No. 3 and Saxophone Concerto

BBC Philharmonic conducted by Sachio Fujioka

The "Cyber-bird" in the title of the Saxophone Concerto refers to a journey through cyberspace, clearly a sign of our new era of internet. It was the promise of such an interesting outlook that brought me to purchase this CD. However, fairly quickly I realized that this was simply not the sort of music I was interested in. There is a clear oriental underpinning in terms of the musical idiom, giving the music more of a feel of stasis than motion. While this may appeal to some, it holds little interest for me. The recording is of excellent quality, the notes are clear, the sonorities rich. However, the music itself does not appeal to me, or likely to those more familiar with Western traditions.

CHAN 9737

Sergey Zhukov

Concerto Mystery and Concerto Grosso

Residentie Orchestra The Hague conducted by George Pehlivanian

Soloists: The Bekova Sisters

This disc premiers two very interesting works for Piano, Violin, and Cello soloists. The first, Concerto Mystery, was conceived as a response to Beethoven's Triple Concerto. It includes a citation from the beethoven work, but reinterprets it as a mystery play. There are two sets of soloists, and they do frequent battle throughout this work, in very dissonant passages. The overall thrust of the work is very convincing and a delight to hear. The Concerto GRosso is less convincing, but still make a pleasant conclusion to this disc.

CHAN 9737