This third volume of Alexander Moyzes symphonies features two of his most popular symphonies. Symphony No. 5 was dedicated to Moyzes father. Mikuláš Moyzes (1872–1944) was an early pioneer in creating a national style of classical composition. Alexander Moyzes demonstrates his mastery of this concept with this work. The symphony uses elements of his father’s […]
Naxos
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David Diamond Symphony No. 6 worth the wait
David Diamond said, “You have to write music that will be loved.” This release presents three such examples. Diamond was arguably at his creative peak in the immediate postwar era. “Rounds for String Orchestra” (1944), “Music for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet” (1947), and Symphony No. 6 (1951-54) all come from that period. Diamond was a […]
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Alexander Moyzes Symphonies 3 & 4 – Subtle Subversiveness
This release is the second reissue of Moyzes recordings from Naxos. The cycle was originally released on Marco Polo in 2000. The recordings still sound superb. The ensemble sound of the Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra has a warm, smooth sound. And yet one can still hear important details in the solo passages and smaller groupings. […]
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Albert Lortzing Opera Overtures – Light-hearted Enjoyment
At one time, Albert Lortzing was one of the most-performed opera composers in Germany. His light-hearted Spieloper (light opera) scores were standard fare in the 19th Century. Lortzing’s style bridges the gap between Carl Maria von Weber and Franz von Suppé. These overtures have the clarity of Weber’s writing and the bustling energy of von Suppé. These […]
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Joseph Marx Nature Trilogy a Welcome Reissue
It’s nice to see this Joseph Marx recording back in print. It was originally released by Avie in 2003. Marx actively opposed Schoenberg and his followers. He very strongly believed in the power of tonal music. Marx was a major figure in Vienna, and his music was frequently performed. After World War II, his compositions […]
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Moyzes Symphonies Nos. 1 and 2 – Welcome Reissues
In the olden days, Naxos released mid-priced basic repertoire recordings under their own name and more esoteric music under full-priced Marco Polo (“the label of discovery”). It’s always good when Marco Polo title are rereleased under the Naxos label. It exposes the music to a wider potential audience, as Naxos’ lower prices encourage listeners to […]
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Florence Price Symphonies On Par with Dvorak
As pressure mounts for orchestras to diversify their programming, Florance Foster Price has risen in prominence. Price was a composer of color active in the late 1930s and 40s. Her first symphony, completed in 1932 won a competition and was premiered by the Chicago Symphony in 1933. Stylistically, the work owes much to Antonin Dvorak […]
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Michael Daugherty Dreamachine Hits on All Cylinders
In my opinion, Michael Daugherty’s style hits the sweet spot. His music has real substance, working on multiple layers that yield fresh insights with every hearing. He’s also fully integrated the musical vernacular of pop culture. And he writes in a mostly tonal and strongly rhythmic language. These strengths enable his music to connect with […]
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Danielpour String Quartets Lyrical and Accessible
This release was something of a surprise. Naxos has released many recordings of Richard Danielpour’s music. So when I received a copy of this set of string quartets, I assumed that Naxos had also recorded and release the previous four. Not so. Not only are these world premiere recordings of Danielpour’s latest string quartets, but […]