This is the final volume in Naxos’ series of Zdenek Fibich orchestral works. It includes the last of his three symphonies, as well as orchestral music from three of his operas. Fibich completed his third symphony in 1898, just two years before his death. The work is ambitious, with a “darkness-to-light” premise that keeps the […]
Janacek Philharmonic Orchestra
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John Robertson “Symphony No. 1” disappointing sophomore release
I enjoyed the previous Navona release of works by John Robertson. This recording features the same composer, same conductor, and the same orchestra, so I anticipated a similar experience. I was disappointed. The first disappointment was the sound of the orchestra. The ensemble sounded very thin. To my ears, the violins had a slight nasal […]
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John Robertson “Vallarta Suite” a holiday for ears
It turns out there were two composers who worked full-time in insurance. Their day jobs freed them to write the music they wanted to. But the music that American Charles Ives and Canadian John Robertson produced was very different, indeed. Ives studied music and pushed against its academic restraints. Robertson is mostly self-taught and seems simply unconcerned […]