This outstanding release presents three relatively late works by Arthur Bliss. At the time, they were considered a little old-fashioned. Heard now, though, I think they show the originality of Bliss’ vision — and his skill at orchestral writing. Mezzo-soprano Sarah Connolly shines in “The Enchantress” and “Mary of Magdala.” Her voice can sound warm, […]
CD Review
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Joan Manén – a composer worth knowing
At one time, Joan Manén was as famous as his contemporary (and fellow Catalan) Pablo Casals. Manén rose to fame as a violin virtuoso and composer. During his career, he rubbed shoulders and performed with Antonin Dvorak, Max Bruch, and Richard Strauss. By the late 1930s, Manén’s attraction as a performer was in decline. Although […]
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Cantica Symphonia masterfully perform Josquin Desprez
This is the fourth volume of music by Josquin Desprez that Cantica Symphonia has released on Glossa. Giuseppe Maletto and the ensemble released two volumes of Josquin’s motets, plus one of chansons. Their next release was a collection of Marian motets (compositions in praise of the Virgin Mary) by various Renaissance composers. This recording seems […]
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Aquarelles — fine music-making with old friends
This is what chamber music should be about — a conversation among old friends. Bonita Boyd, Steven Doane, and Barry Snyder are all long-time current or former faculty of the Eastman School of Music. The individual performances are top-flight, as one might expect of such musicians. But they’re also fully integrated. All three performers are […]
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Raphael Wallfisch shows affinity for Weinberg Cello Concerto
At first blush, it may seem like a recording of Mieczyslaw Weinberg’s music doesn’t belong in the Cello Concertos by Exiled Jewish Composers series. After all, wasn’t Weinberg a Soviet composer? He was, but he very much belongs in this series. Weinberg was born in Warsaw. His family moved to Russia, and after the Revolution, […]
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Alexander Kastalsky Requiem a major — and important — release
To me, this is the epitome of a major release. It’s a world premiere recording of a major work with an assemblage of all-stars. Alexander Kastalsky’s Commemoration for Fallen Brothers honors the casualties of the First World Way with a universal message. Kastalsky began work on this massive work in 1914 and completed it in […]
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Francesco Mancini Recorder Sonatas engage the ear
Francesco Mancini’s collection of XII Solos for a Violin or Flute were first published in London around 1724. They proved so popular that the music went through at least three editions. As the title suggests, Mancini’s music was composed for either violin or flute. “Flute” was a somewhat generic term, and could apply to either […]
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American Gifts presents new music for marimba duos
Full disclosure: I majored in keyboard percussion as an undergrad, specializing in marimba. So of COURSE I was looking forward to auditioning “American Gifts.” And it didn’t disappoint. Jack Van Geem and Nancy Zeitsman are superb players. I was also impressed by the recorded sound. The marimba has warm, resonant tones in its lower register […]
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Hans Gal remembers Vienna in his recorder music
Although “Remembering Vienna” may seem like part of the current Hans Gal recording boom, that’s not quite the case. Recorder player Sabrina Fey and pianist Bernard Parz were friends at university. But her specialty was early music, and his Viennese repertoire. It seemed they would never be able to perform together — until they discovered […]