Monthly Archive: April 2017
PERGOLESI: Stabat Mater; BACH: Cantatas 54 & 170 – La Nuova Musica/ David Bates, Lucy Crowe (sop.), Tim Mead (ten.) – Harmonia Mundi
A vivid and breathtaking rendition of Pergolesi’s masterpiece strangely saddled between Bach canatas. PERGOLESI: Stabat Mater; BACH: Cantatas 54 & 170 – La Nuova Musica dir. David Bates with Lucy Crowe and Tim Mead – Harmonia Mundi 907589 64:16 (5/5/17) ****: (Lucy Crowe: soprano/ Tim Mead: countertenor) Jean Jacques Rousseau, muddle-headed in so many of his opinions, had surprisingly good sense when it came to music, which was after all his true profession. He voiced an assessment of Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater that has held up well over the centuries, calling it “the most touching expression of sorrow to come from the pen of any composer.” This was, however, already a conventional opinion by this time. Charles Burney writing a bit later in the century, extolled the Italian thus: “His clearness, simplicity, truth and sweetness of expression justly entitles him to supremacy over all his predecessors and contemporary rivals, and to a niche in the temple of Fame, among the great improvers of the art..” (Burney: A General History of Music) It is all the more remarkable that Pergolesi attained this eminence in the 18th century, having expired at the tender age of 26. Whereas Schubert reached the the age of […]
“Raindamage” = Music of Valgeir SIGURDŎSSON, Úlfur HANSSON, Hlynur Aðils VILMARSSON – Nordic Affect – Sono Luminus
Some very reflective and ‘icy’ sounds sure to get your attention. “Raindamage” = Valgeir SIGURDŎSSON: Raindamage; Antigravity; Úlfur HANSSON: ÞỲÐ; Skin Continuum; Hlynur Aðils VILMARSSON: Noa::Ems; [:n:] – Nordic Affect – Sono Luminus SLE-70008 [Distr. by Naxos], 39:06, (2/24/2017) ***1/2: I literally closed my eyes while listening to this very picturesque and very unusual set of music from Iceland and imagined ice, cold, aurora and maybe even foreboding. Credit the three innovative composers represented here for creating music that is decidedly non-mainstream and yet very captivating and imagery provoking. To be sure not all listeners will like this and might not even make it past the occasional strident bursts of sound; of dissonance; of intrusions into the ether of solitude. But if you have heard a lot of modern music and especially from one of the most exciting “new” sources of the new and usual – Iceland – then you may be taken in as I was. I think it is the very nature of Iceland the country and culture to seem and feel isolated and unique. This is a country with almost literally no trees, an island long fault line and volcanic rift and a native language that is […]
HAYDN: Symphonies no. 53, no. 64, no. 96 – Oregon Symphony/Carlos Kalmar – Pentatone
HAYDN: Symphonies no. 53 “the Imperial”, no. 64 “Tempora Mutantur”, no. 96 “the Miracle” – Oregon Symphony/Carlos Kalmar – Pentatone SACD 5186 612, 61:51 (4/7/17) *****: A well chosen concert of Haydn symphonies performed under the baton of Carlos Kalmar and played by the superb Oregon Symphony. If you were to visit the city of roses, Portland, Oregon, you would surely take in the glorious amplitude of the world’s largest bookstore, Powell’s Books. An entire afternoon would hardly suffice to search for rare treasure and bask in the heady literary atmosphere of its hospitable coffee-shop. You might also want to sample the city’s world-famous ale in a first-rate brewpub, such as Ex Novo, which donates all of its profits to local charities. You would also want ensure that your visit included a performance of the illustrious Oregon Symphony under the direction of Carlos Kalmar at the elegant Schnitzer auditorium. The recording under review demonstrates that this orchestra, which has received multiple Grammy nominations in recent years, now belongs to the upper echelons of world orchestras. The concert under review includes three Haydn Symphonies, two from the palmy Esterhazy years and one of the famous London Symphonies. By the time you […]
NOVAK: In the Tatra Mountains; Lady Godiva; Eternal Longing – Buffalo Phil. Orch./ JoAnn Falletta – Naxos
Relatively neglected but richly colorful scores by Novak have opulent realization from the BPO under JoAnn Falletta. Vitezslav NOVAK: In the Tatra Mountains, Op. 26; Lady Godiva – Overture, Op. 41; Eternal Longing, Op. 33 – Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra/ JoAnn Falletta – Naxos 8.573683, 52:47 (4/14/17) ****: I first encountered the often “shimmering” music of Vitezslav Novak (1870-1949) by way of a Supraphon LP, on which both Vaclav Talich and Karel Ancerl led the Czech Philharmonic in selected works. Atmospheric and harmonically opulent, this music engaged me in a way reminiscent at once of Janacek and Richard Strauss, especially fecund in folk, landscape – and literary – allusions, courtesy of studies with Antonin Dvorak. The opening work – which I knew from Karel Ancerl – In the Tatras (1902), those rugged mountains between the Czech and Polish borders, has as its basis a poetic preface on the score by Novak, who writes – in the manner of Shelley’s “Ode to the West Wind” – of an impending thunderstorm whose energies suggest rage and conflict, only to yield to the peace of the setting sun, distant peals of evening bells, and the “pearls” of the sky’s blending with the mountains. […]
ECLIPSE = Chamber music by Mischa Zupko – Sang Mee Lee (v.)/ Wendy Warner (c.)/ Mischa Zupko (p.) – Cedille
A wonderment of shades of color infatuate this fascinating composer’s music. “ECLIPSE – Chamber music by Mischa Zupko” = Rising; Fallen; From Twilight; Eclipse; Nebula; Shades of Grey; Love Obsession – Sang Mee Lee, violin/ Wendy Warner, cello/ Mischa Zupko, piano – Cedille CDR 90000 168, 67:45 [Distr. by Naxos] ***1/2: This is my first encounter with the music of Chicago composer Mischa Zupko, and the experience has been, overall, an enticing one. Of course, here the scope is rather limited in the restrictive but always engaging piano trio format, and is does allow one to explore the creative impulses of a composer as he or she traverses a single medium. Altogether, as a summary, I must say that I find the music rather muscular, dark, hard-hitting in its use of many singular melodic elements and repetitive motives, with a fine sense of coloration and dramatic impulse. I’ll leave it to you to explore the “meanings” behind the titled pieces, as such things are interesting from the standpoint of what initially inspires the composer, but are often tricky to duplicate in a listener’s own perceptions. (We certainly hear—or see—the sunrise in Strauss’s Zarathustra, but do we really hear the antics […]
WUORINEN: Eighth Symphony; Fourth Piano Concerto – Peter Serkin (p.)/ Boston Symph. Orch./ James Levine – Bridge
Two beautifully conceived and highly expressive works. Charles WUORINEN: Eighth Symphony, “Theologoumena”; Fourth Piano Concerto – Peter Serkin, piano/ Boston Sym. Orch./ James Levine – Bridge 9474, 59:39 [Distr. by Albany] *****: It is a quote from Neo-Platonist commentator Maximus of Tyre (2nd – 3rd c.) that first inspired Wuorinen to create the tone poem Theologoumenon, a work with a distinct ebb and flow in a fantasia-like manner, lending itself to the “non-dogmatic theological opinion” that defines the term. The material in this symphony, from 2007, is closely related to the tone poem (2003), but is not the same, even though the composer has indicated the two can be performed together as a large 50-plus minute work. Here we have only the three-movement symphony, clocking in around a half an hour. Wuorinen has often been described as the inheritor of the compositional methods of Milton Babbitt, and an arch-serialist, even though he has said that the word has lost any meaning. Perhaps to him this is true, but to the public at large it is an apt description. Having said that, anyone hearing this Eighth Symphony with open ears (and hearts) is going to be quite surprised at their reaction. […]
Reflections in Cosmo – Reflections in Cosmo – RareNoise
Norwegian rock-jazz that is forceful, imposing and heavy. Reflections in Cosmo – Reflections in Cosmo [TrackList follows] – RareNoise RNR073, 40:41 [1/20/17] ****: (Kjetil Møster – baritone, tenor and soprano saxophone; Hans Magnus Ryan – guitar; Ståle Storløkken – keyboards; Thomas Strønen – drums) The Norwegian quartet Reflections in Cosmo is ready-to-hear for those who prefer a rock-riotous tone to their improvisation and fusion jazz. This is heavy electric guitar; thrashing drums; lashed keyboards; and saxophone from Kjetil Møster (baritone, tenor and soprano sax), guitarist Hans Magnus Ryan (co-founder of the long-running progressive/psychedelic rock band Motorpsycho), keyboardist Ståle Storløkken (who has worked with Terje Rypdal and on stage with Motorpsycho) and drummer Thomas Strønen (credits include Bobo Stenson, Tomasz Stanko and others). These four allied musicians produce a turbulent consensus on the foursome’s self-titled debut on the RareNoise label. Reflections in Cosmo is available in CD, vinyl and multiple digital formats. This review refers to the CD version. The group came about when Strønen and Storløkken (who both lead experimental jazz combo Humcrush) wanted to expand their musical options and enlisted Møster and Ryan (who had recently joined Møster’s group). Those who frequently listen to RareNoise releases probably know Møster […]
Daniel HOPE: “For Seasons” = Music of VIVALDI, BACH, RAMEAU, RICHTER, TCHAIKOWSKY, BRAHMS – Daniel Hope (v.)/Zürcher Kammerorchester – DGG
Very creative and highly entertaining but unusual! Daniel Hope, “For Seasons” [Track List follows] – Daniel Hope, violin/Zürcher Kammerorchester – Deutsche Grammaphon DGG 479 6922, 79:33, (3/03/2017) ****: The first – and certainly not even the most captivating – thing that catches your attention about this wonderfully eclectic and entertaining collection from violinist Daniel Hope is his arrangement (a “reimagining”) of Vivaldi’s iconic The Four Seasons. Is The Four Seasons simultaneously the best known and most potentially boring work for violin and orchestra ever? I have heard some say so and I think certainly it can be (boring, that is) but not in this dynamic and even aggressive rendition by Hope. Tempos are extreme, rallantandos and accelerandos are inserted where they do not exist in the original and volumes are exaggerated for effect. Daniel Hope’s playing is spectacular throughout and he makes a strong case to show that just a little (or a lot) bit of liberties taken with this violin icon can bring new excitement and daring to the work. Hope’s rendition will frustrate the purist but would arguably thrill audiences and the uninitiated listener. This whole album is a collection of relatively short works which, collectively, depict or […]
Antonio ADOLFO – Hybrido: From Rio To Wayne Shorter – AAM Music
An intoxication session of Wayne Shorter’s compositions. Antonio Adolfo – Hybrido: From Rio To Wayne Shorter – AAM Music AAM0711 54:49 [MP3 on Amazon]****: (Antonio Adolfo – piano & arrangements – electric piano on #1; Lula Galvão – electric guitar; Jorge Helder – double bass; Rafael Barata – drums & percussion; André Siqueira – percussion; Jessé Sadoc – trumpet; Marcelo Martins – tenor & soprano saxophones – flute on #3; Serginho Trombone – trombone; Zé Renato – vocal on #2; Claudio Spiewak – acoustic guitar on #3) It was clear from the time Wayne Shorter joined Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers in 1959 that he was a young talent who would go on to establish himself as one of the more gifted tenor saxophone players of his era. His composing pedigree became obvious during the period he was part of the Miles Davis band from 1964-1970. His compositions from this association, and later with Weather Report, were destined to become jazz standards. In this release Hybrido by the Brazilian pianist and composer Antonio Adolfo, takes a Latin look at these compositions and comes up with a winner. All of the arrangements of the compositions were written by Adolfo and he has […]
Led Bib – Umbrella Weather – RareNoise
UK jazz-rockers Led Bib have it covered, from fear of crustaceans to bug invasions, and from shopping to cooking. Led Bib – Umbrella Weather [TrackList follows] – RareNoise RNR071, 75:01 [1/20/17] ****: (Mark Holub – drums; Pete Grogan, Chris Williams – alto saxophone; Liran Donin – bass; Toby McLaren – keyboards) English jazz-rock combo Led Bib have jumped from the Cuneiform label to the likeminded RareNoise imprint, and the quintet’s notably noisy blend of jazz, rock, improvisation and other aspects continues to be an edgy and explorative endeavor. Led Bib’s heated electric jazz-rock is memorable for two primary reasons: they have a hard-hitting approach like some of the NYC downtown players, and they have a unique line-up consisting of two alto saxophonists (Pete Grogan and Chris Williams) alongside drummer Mark Holub, bassist Liran Donin and keyboardist Toby McLaren. The twelve tracks on Umbrella Weather, the band’s eighth release since forming in 2003, are an often stormy (but also occasionally quiet) experience which showcases Led Bib’s keen collective improvisation skills. Most of the material on Umbrella Weather was created spontaneously in the studio. Holub (who acts as the de-facto leader) explains, “In general, very little is written. We are mostly working […]
Michael RABINOWITZ: Uncharted Waters – Cats Paws Records
Michael Rabinowitz again showcases the virtuosity of the bassoon in a warm acoustic setting. Michael RABINOWITZ: Uncharted Waters – Cats Paws Records 9855, 56:50 (4/22/17) ****: (Michael Rabinowitz: bassoon/ Ruslan Khain: bass/ Nat Harris: guitar/ Vince Ector: drums) The first time I heard the sound of the bassoon I didn’t whether to laugh or cry. I was astonished at the vibratory power of the lower range and its effect on one’s inner organs. The tenor range likewise possesses magical qualities, from stately to charmingly eccentric. There is no doubt that the instrument brims with character, and yet it has stood outside the jazz world, owing no doubt to the obstacles of the double-reed mechanics, which don’t allow for the all important vocal inflections and special effects so prominent in jazz. This is also true for the other members of the double-reed family, the oboe and English horn; they have all been left behind by that great innovation of Adolphe Sax, who solved problems of air flow and tonal flexibility in one fell swoop, thus paving the way for the saxophone to achieve its prominent position in jazz history. In the newly released Uncharted Waters, Michael Rabinowitz’ fourth outing as a […]
Leonard Rose = Cello Concerti by DVORAK, SAINT-SAENS; Cello Sonatas by BEETHOVEN, BRAHMS; TCHAIKOVSKY: Rococo Variations – Leonard Rose, cello – Doremi
Doremi provides us a template of what a recorded tribute to Leonard Rose should contain, including several significant chamber-music additions. Leonard Rose = DVORAK: Cello Concerto in b minor, Op. 104; SAINT-SAENS: Cello Concerto No. 1 in a minor, Op. 33; TCHAIKOVSKY: Rococo Variations, Op. 33; BEETHOVEN: Cello Sonata in D Major, Op. 102, No. 2; Cello Sonata in A Major, Op. 69; BRAHMS: Cello Sonata No. 1 in e minor, Op. 38; BEETHOVEN: Adagio Cantabile and Allegro vivace from Cello Sonata No. 3 in A, Op. 69 – Leonard Rose, cello/ Orchestre National de l’ORTF/ Charles Dutoit (Dvorak)/ Radio Luxembourg Orchestra/ Louis de Froment/ (Saint-Saens, Tchaikovsky)/ Eugene Istomin, piano (Beethoven, Op. 102, No. 2)/ Nadia Reisenberg, piano – Doremi DHR-8038/39 (2 CDs) (11/18/16) 75:35; 77:00 [Distr. by Naxos] *****: Admirers recall cello virtuoso Leonard Rose (1918-1984) as a fine performer and master teacher, who, in the words of Stephen Kates, had a wonderful ability to make his students perform at a higher level, and that one would exit a lesson with Rose “…feeling like a million dollars. He had a wonderful way to make you play better that was not methodology, but he gave you confidence. He made you […]
Andrejs Osokins, Pianist = Piano works of BACH, HAYDN, BEETHOVEN, RAVEL, LISZT – Andrejs Osokins (p) – International Piano Forum
Latvian piano virtuoso Andrejs Osokins makes a powerful impression in Romantic Music. Andrejs Osokins, Pianist = BACH: WTC, I: Prelude No. 8 in e-flat minor, BWV 853; Fugue in d-sharp minor, BWV 853; HAYDN: Piano Sonata No. 53 in e minor; BEETHOVEN: Piano Sonata No. 23 in f minor, Op. 57 “Appassionata”; RAVEL: Gaspard de la Nuit: Scarbo; LISZT: Annees de perelinage, II: Italy: Sonetto 104 del Petrarca; Apres une lecture de Dante: Fantasia quasi fantasia – Andrejs Osokins, piano – International Piano Forum, 75:00 [www.ipf-frankfurt.com] ****: Latvian pianist Andrejs Osokins (b. 1984) presents a program (rec. live 27 November 2015 at Kursaal Bad Cannstatt) that reflects his penchant for introspective, impassioned scores that here traverse the periods from the Baroque to the late Romantic. The Bach prelude – and its enharmonic fugue – set the tone for plaintive, arioso melancholy that will often reveal itself in other composers’ sensibilities. The resonant bass of Osokins’ Bechstein instrument enunciates low, chromatic threads of the Fugue in d-sharp, whose voices enter and lie upon each other in the manner of a sad motet. Later, the individual notes of the upper voice assume the character of a hopeful chorale. Conceived in the early […]
BEETHOVEN: Triple Concerto; BRAHMS: Double Concerto – Isaac Stern (v.) / Leonard Rose (c.) / Eugene Istomin (p.) / Cleveland Orchestra/ George Szell – Doremi
The Stern-Rose-Istomin Trio and George Szell make a Cleveland Orchestra evening quite compelling. BEETHOVEN: “Triple” Concerto for Violin, Cello, and Piano in C Major, Op. 56; BRAHMS: “Double” Concerto for Violin, Cello and Orchestra in a minor, Op. 102 – Isaac Stern, violin/ Leonard Rose, cello/ Eugene Istomin, piano/ Cleveland Orchestra/ George Szell – Doremi DHR-8047, 71:20 (11/18/16) [Distr. by Naxos] *****: The Cleveland Orchestra concert of 13 July 1966 under the direction of George Szell holds special prominence in the quality of the guest-soloists, the esteemed Stern-Rose-Istomin Trio (1961-1984). Captured in brilliant, clear sound, the performances resonate with the high-energy, driven, linear momentum typical of George Szell and his honed Cleveland ensemble. The Beethoven 1803 “Triple” Concerto remains a unique moment in the composer’s creative output, a kind of Classical “concerto grosso” tailored so that the cello will lead off each melodic period, and the writing itself will eschew the tricky harmonic syntax we associate with Beethoven’s “middle style” of development. Each of the three instrumentalists will receive exposure in runs, chordal, and scale patterns, the music harmonized to add a symphonic breadth to the tuttis and retain an intimate, expressive character in the chamber-music episodes. The featured trio […]
Rogue One, A Star Wars Story, Blu-ray (2017)
The first Star Wars stand-alone features is a rousing success. Rogue One, A Star Wars Story, Blu-ray (2017) Cast: Felicity Jones, Diego Lua, Alan Tudyk, Donnie Yen, Wen Jiang Director: Gareth Edwards Screenplay based on characters created by George Lucas Studio: Lucasfilm/Walt Disney Studios 141495 (4/4/17) [3 discs] Video: 2.39:1: 1 for 16:9 screens, HD color Audio: English DTS-HD MA, French DD 5.1, Spanish DD 5.1 Subtitles: English, French, Spanish Dubbed: French, Spanish Extras: K2SO: The Droid, Baze & Chirrut, Bodhi & Saw: The Pilot & the Revolutionary, The Empire, Visions of Hope, The Look of Rogue One, The Princess & the Governor, Epilogue: The Story Continues, Rogue Connections Length: 133 min. Rating: ***** In this epic adventure, a group of unlikely heroes (including several aliens) band together on a mission to steal the plans for the Empire’s ultimate weapon of destruction – The Death Star. Felicity Jones, the young daughter of the designer of the Death Star, is the central character, with Diego Luna playing her at first unaccepted sidekick. This feature covers some time and fits into the Star Wars story before the final attack by the rebel fighters in blowing up the Death Star. It works perfectly […]
The Labéque Way (2017)
A wonderful documentary on probably the leading two-piano team in the classical world. The Labéque Way (2017) Cast: Katia & Marielle Labéque, Alessandro Baricco, Sir Simon Rattle, Semyon Bychkov Director: Félix Cabez Studio: EuroArts Music International 2064058 (3/3/17) Video: 1.33:1 for 16:9 screens, color Audio: English, PCM stereo No region code Extras: Complete performances of POULENC: Concerto for 2 Pianos & SAINT-SEANS: Carnival of the Animals for 2 Pianists & Orch. Length: 90 min. Rating: **** The New York Times says this is the best piano duo in front of an audience today, and the legendary piano duo of the Labéques is difficult to label, getting into avant-garde and flamenco as well as classical areas. They trace their Spanish roots with playing of Ravel’s Bolero, complete with a special percussion section of Basque origin. Their friends and collaborators appear in the film, as well as performances of works of Mozart, Schubert, Ravel, Albeniz, Golijov and Gershwin. The duo commissioned a new two-piano concerto especially for this film, Nazareno. A truly delightful documentary and the sisters look and play as lovely as ever. The mastering of ordinary DVDs has gotten so good that one would easily think this was a Blu-ray, […]
PIAZZOLLA: Homage á Liége; Escualo; Tanguedia; SZMEREK: Fantazja; Concerto – Elwira Sliwkiewicz-Cisak, accordion with guitar & Tangilio Quintet/Lublin Ch. Orch./Piotr Wijatkowski – DUX
A fine combination: Piazzolla and Szmerek in interesting works. PIAZZOLLA: Homage á Liége; Escualo; Tanguedia; SZMEREK: Fantazja; Concerto – Elwira Sliwkiewicz-Cisak, accordion with guitar & Tangilio Quintet/Lublin Ch. Orch./Piotr Wijatkowski – DUX 1278 [Distr. by Naxos] (7/8/16) ****: Who knew that there was a composer in Poland who would pair up beautifully with Piazzolla? Leave it to the Poles to come up with such a pairing. Next to Amsterdam, the leaders in European music. First, the Homage a Liege was a concerto which Piazzolla composed for his 64th birthday and was premiered at a guitar festival in Liege, France. The Escualo is one of his most famous tangos and gets a lovely performance. The Szmerek works – while not infused with the Argentine tango like Piazzolla – are lovely to hear and most enjoyable. There are not many accordion concertos and this one is top-rate. Sliwkiewicz-Cisak was a prize winner at a Polish accordion competition in 1985. The sonics are excellent for two-channel stereo. The jewelbox is a SACD-type case with the rounded corners, which creates much confusion; but this is an ordinary CD. So don’t be fooled. —John Sunier
Toscanini Conducts American Music, Volume 1 = LOEFFLER: Memories of My Childhood; CRESTON: Choric Dance No. 2; GOULD: Lincoln Legend; GERSHWIN: Rhapsody in Blue – Earl Wild, piano/ Benny Goodman, clarinet/ NBC Symphony Orchestra/ Arturo Toscanini – Pristine Audio
Arturo Toscanini leads a wartime concert that celebrates the American musical character. Toscanini Conducts American Music, Volume 1 = LOEFFLER: Memories of My Childhood (Life in a Russian Village); CRESTON: Choric Dance No. 2; GOULD: Lincoln Legend; GERSHWIN: Rhapsody in Blue – Earl Wild, piano/ Benny Goodman, clarinet/ NBC Symphony Orchestra/ Arturo Toscanini – Pristine Audio PASC 495, 54:03 [www.pristineclassical.com] ****: Andrew Rose restores to full, intensely resonant sonics the live NBC Symphony broadcast from Studio 8-H of 1 November 1942, dedicated to American music by way of lifting the morale at the front during wartime. Rose notes that prior to this concert, only the Loeffler work had enjoyed attention from Toscanini; and, after this concert, none of the selections was to receive a second session, a trait that lies closer to Stokowski than to Toscanini. The Loeffler piece has a curious history, having been premiered in this country by Frederick Stock in 1924. Loeffler led a rustic, village life in the Ukraine village of Smela; but the family left for Germany, where his father ran a sugar factory. When Bismarck sought the annexation of Alsace and Lorraine, Loeffler’s father joined an organization in opposition, suffered conviction and imprisonment in […]
Audio News, April 21, 2017
April 21, 2017 OPPO Releases UDP-205 Audiophile Universal Player 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Player Gets an Audio Performance Boost OPPO Digital has released its UDP-205 4K Ultra HD Audiophile Blu-ray Disc player. A step-up version of the recently released UDP-203, the UDP-205 brings top-of-the-line audio performance to a universal player that supports 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray and many other digital audio and video formats. The audio performance of the OPPO UDP-205 is a significant upgrade over the UDP-203 and previous generation players. The UDP-205 provides reference level sound quality through the analog outputs, improves the clock precision of the HDMI audio output, and increases the power of the built-in headphone amplifier. For the analog output stages, the UDP-205 utilizes two ES9038PRO DACs, which are the flagship of the ESS Sabre Pro series, delivering best-in-class audio performance. The UDP-205 carries many of the same features of the UDP-203: 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray playback, Blu-ray 3D, DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, SACD, Audio CD, and many other formats. Additionally, there is High Dynamic Range (HDR10), dual HDMI outputs, andS HDMI input port for external streaming devices or set-top boxes. For more information, visit https://www.oppodigital.com/blu-ray-udp-205.
Impromptu = Impromptus by SCHUBERT, CHOPIN, BEETHOVEN, DVORAK, IVES, LISZT, and GERSHWIN – Shai Wosner – Onyx
Impromptu = Impromptus by SCHUBERT, CHOPIN, BEETHOVEN, DVORAK, IVES, LISZT, and GERSHWIN – Shai Wosner – Onyx 4172, 74:43 (4/7/17) ****: Imagining a posthumous gathering of improvisational geniuses jamming on varying notions of the impromptu. As an introduction to his recording Impromptu, Shai Wosner invites us to consider what would happen “if we got together Schubert, Chopin, Ives, Liszt, Dvorak, Gershwin and Beethoven for a posthumous jam session.” My hope would be that Chopin and Schubert would play and the rest would listen, especially if it were late at night. Shai Wosner has arranged otherwise. However, Schubert will take up half the recital with the four Impromptus from D935 set up at equal distances between the nine pieces by the other composers. Mr. Wosner acknowledges that the form of the impromptu resists easy description but that it typically represents a lack of formality and is “set up as an intimate, immediate and very personal gesture towards the listener.” If improvisation is also of the essence, then we have surely gathered the right crowd, for they are the undisputed giants. Shai Wosner has received accolades for his Schubert. Taking all four impromptus together, I can see why. He has a sure […]
Stories for Our Time = Ida GOTKOVSKY; Elaine FINE; Anne GUZZO; Cecilia MCDOWALL; Hillary TANN; Faye-Ellen SILVERMAN – Music for Trumpet and Piano / Thomas Pfotenhauer, trumpet; Vincent Fuh, piano – MSR Classics
A diverting collection of trumpet and piano music by contemporary women composers Stories For Our Time: Music for Trumpet and Piano by Women Composers – Thomas Pfotenhauer, trumpet; Vincent Fuh, piano – [World Premiere Recordings] MSR Classics CD MS 1589 TT: 65:25 (11/11/16) [Distr. by Albany] *** This is a unique disc from MSR Classics, with music for trumpet and piano by contemporary women composers. It seems a niche, but tat doesn’t diminish the quality of the music. Thomas Pfotenhauer plays the trumpet, fluegelhorn and E-flat trumpet as called for in the various pieces. Vincent Fuh is at the piano. Dr. Pfotenhauer studied trumpet with Armando Ghitalla at the University of Michigan, completing a Masters degree in 1993, and holds a Bachelors degree in music from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in trumpet performance from the University of Kansas. Fuh is a University of Wisconsin graduate with a private teaching studio. He’s a new member of the Oakwood Chamber Players, a long time member of Opera for the Young, and a freelance collaborative pianist specializing in cross-genre music. All the composers are living, most working in the United States, but not all were born here. […]
BERNSTEIN: Trio; KORNGOLD: Trio no. 1; FOOTE: Trio no. 2 – Neave Trio – Chandos
Three early works by soon to be famous composers American Moments = Music by FOOTE/KORNGOLD/BERNSTEIN – Neave Trio – Chandos CD 10924 TT: 68:31 (11/18/16) *** 1/2 Chandos has given us a nice collection of music by the Neave Trio (Anna Williams, violin; Mikhail Veselov, cello; and Eri Nakamura, piano). The disk is called ‘American Moments, and I’m having a small struggle figuring out the title. Both Bernstein and Foote were American born, but Korngold was born in Vienna, and didn’t move to the U.S. until 1934, where he continued writing classical music but also wrote for films, including Captain Blood, The Adventures of Robin Hood and The Sea Hawk. Certainly, all the composers wrote music celebrated here in the U.S, but I still find the title of the disk a little ‘off’. . The music is quite good, and provides works listeners may never have heard, particularly from Bernstein and Foote. Even the Korngold is not something that is often performed. The Korngold Trio no. 1 was written in 1910, when the composer was 23. It’s an energetic work, but doesn’t offer much of a prediction of where the composer was going with his later Hollywood spectacles. The Bernstein […]
Stereotypes Audio
Cembal d’amour
Pure Pleasure / Speakers Corner
Cedille
