Tango-Rhapsody - REVIEW

Tango-Rhapsody: works and arrangements for two pianos by Piazzolla, Jusid* and Ziegler
Duo Lechner Tiempo; *Orchestra della Svizzera Italiana, Jacek Kaspszyk
Avanti10332 (hybrid-SACD with bonus DVD)
An attractive, varied sequence of Latin fireworks from brother-and-sister Argerich-prodigies. Three generations of composers are featured: if Pablo Ziegler is not as well-known as the now-ubiquitous Piazzolla, the four pieces presented here are well-crafted and hugely appealing. The specially-commissioned concertante work by Federico Jusid that gives the disc its title reminds this reviewer of Bernstein's showier concert works, no bad thing, albeit with an appealing Argentinian twist. Excellent sound and, with the bonus DVD, a generous package.
*****

Mozart: Concertos K.453, K.482, etc - REVIEW

Mozart: Concertos in G, K.453; in E flat, K.482. Rondo in A, K.386
Kristian Bezuidenhout (fortepiano); Freiburg Baroque Orchestra, Petra Mullejans (leader)
Harmonia Mundi HMC902147
Bezuidenhout has found time alongside his emerging Mozart sonata cycle to record two of the composer's most delicious concertos, and the result is entirely successful. His playing is warm and intuitive - he can be heard discretely joining in some of the tutti passages, to great effect - and the pairing with this Prince of ensembles is well-nigh perfect. Recorded sound is excellent, though with an audible edit or two.
*****

Francaix: Music for string orchestra - REVIEW

Francaix: Music for string orchestra
Sir Georg Solti Chamber Orchestra Budapest, Kerry Stratton (conductor)
Toccata Classics TOCC0162
A valuable release that presents two major scores and two recorded premieres. Francaix's early reputation, now forgotten, was as a composer of ballets - he wrote sixteen - and The Camellias (for Balanchine in New York in 1950) tells Dumas' famous story concisely with panache and grace. The breezily bitonal Symphony for strings is perhaps more immediately approachable, as is the later Ode on Botticelli's Venus with its compelling, throbbing opening. If the playing lacks the last degree of finesse, this is one of the more interesting releases celebrating the composer's centenary.
****

Bach: Une cantate imaginaire - REVIEW

Bach: Une cantate imaginaire - sinfonias, arias and chorales from various cantatas
Orfeo 55, Nathalie Stutzmann (contralto & director)
DG (distribution: Discovery Records) 4810062
A delight from beginning to end. Stutzmann has compiled a generous, intelligent selection of jewels that both rewards continuous listening and provides an easy 'first choice' for anyone wanting a single 'best-of' compilation. She is in wonderful voice, and secures lithe, energetic and poised performances from what is clearly an excellent ensemble. Recommended with all possible enthusiasm.
*****