CPO has released a lot of George Antheil: all six symphonies; both piano concertos; and an opera. This release features his two serenades. Also included are two additional works; the ballet suite “Dreams,” and Antheil’s orchestrated piano piece, “The Golden Bird.” The first serenade premiered in 1948, the second in 1950. If you only know Antheil through […]
contemporary classical music
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Mieczyslaw Weinberg Symphonies 2 and 7 have hidden depths
This release presents two Mieczyslaw Weinberg string symphonies. The Amadeus Chamber Orchestra of Polish Radio, under the direction of Anna Duczmal-Mroz, turns in a set of fine performances. These works, separated by a span of 18 years, are similar only in the choice of ensemble. Weinberg in 1946 was just beginning to blossom under Soviet […]
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Bechara El-Khoury Piano Sonatas Effectively Blend Traditions
Increasingly, composers seem to be going their own way. These pioneers blend different music traditions and styles together. When it’s done well, a truly unique composer’s voice emerges. And that (in my opinion) is what happens with this collection of Bechara El-Khoury piano works. El-Khoury is best known for his orchestral works. In those, he […]
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Josef Holbrooke Symphonic Music Sails On
Josef Holbrooke wasn’t the only composer continuing the later Romantic traditions well into the 20th Century. But he was the only one I know of who scolded his audiences for not appreciating his talent. So it’s not surprising that Holbrooke’s music quickly fell into obscurity, even during his lifetime. Almost a century later, we have […]
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Canadian Landscapes – A program for saxophone and organ that delivers
“And the award for the most tightly-focused program for a classical recording goes to — ‘Canadian Landscapes.” If the Grammys ever offered such an award, this disc would win it. The release features not just music by Canadian composers but works by them for saxophone and organ. It’s a very unusual instrumental combination with a […]
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Neeme Järvi uncovers Estonian treasures
I first discovered Estonia’s rich classical music heritage through Neeme Järvi recordings; specifically, his BIS releases of Edvard Tubin and Arvo Pärt. Maestro Järvi surprises me once again with this new recording of Estonian orchestral music. All three composers were born within an eight-year span (1878-1885), and all studied at the St. Petersberg Conservatoire. That […]
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Trio of Mikolaj Gorecki works present balanced portrait
The three works in this release each present a different facet of Mikolaj Gorecki’s style. There are similarities: two are for orchestra; two feature a clarinet, horn, and piano trio. But each has its own character. Gorecki’s orchestral work Zan Tontemiquico was inspired by the pre-Columbian poem of Tochihuitzin. It begins “We only come to […]
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Calin Huma Symphony-Concerto a true original
Sometimes being an amateur — rather than a professional — has its advantages. I’m referring to the original meaning of ” amateur” — one who loves the subject. If you’re an amateur composer, you’re free from the constraints of professional composers. You don’t have to compose a certain way to gain commissions, or recognition, or […]
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Mieczyslaw Weinberg Sonatas for Cello and Piano
The more of Mieczyslaw Weinberg’s music I hear, the more complex he becomes. This release features his two sonatas for cello and piano. Each provides a snapshot of his evolving style. Sonata No. 1, Op. 21 was completed in 1945. The war was ending, and Stalin’s regime was just warming up. The sonata’s a jaunty, […]