Turnage: Orchestral works vol.3 - REVIEW

Mark-Anthony Turnage: Orchestral works vol.3
various soloists and conductors; London Philharmonic Orchestra
LPO 0066
Showing remarkable commitment to, and faith in, the composer's ability freshly to mint new sounds and exciting textures, the LPO's final collection of recent works by Turnage is even more interesting than its two predecessors. Soloists Lawrence Power, Michael Collins and Christian Tetzlaff respond vividly to the many technical and interpretative challenges thrown their way, and maestri Stenz, Alsop and Jurowski preside over performances that can only be described as definitive. Urgently recommended
*****

Dvorak: Symphonies nos.3&6 - REVIEW

Dvorak: Symphonies nos.3&6
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Jose Serebrier
Warner 2564657753
A lovely record from an old-school maestro with nothing to prove, content to inspire his players to performances of natural grace and unforced virtuosity. Rubato is always idiomatic and flexible, and rhythms dance in these most genial of works. Sound is good, and the only drawback of such a generous coupling is the mere four seconds between symphonies
****

Henk Neven: The Sea - REVIEW

The Sea: songs by Faure, Schubert & Debussy
Henk Neven (baritone), Hans Eijsackers (piano)
Onyx 4102
A delightful recital that effortlessly transcends the potential naffness of the title. Neven's melodies are every bit as persuasive, as idiomatic as his Lieder, finding great poetry in well-chosen songs by Faure and Debussy. The many facets of Schubert's fascination with all things aquatic come off equally well, with a dashing Schiffer and a haunting Gondelfahrer. Throughout, Eijsackers proves an insightful and gifted collaborator, and the recording team do the project proud
*****

Beethoven: Symphonies - REVIEW

Beethoven: Symphonies nos.1-9
Orchestra of the Eighteenth Century, Franz Bruggen
Glossa GCDSA921116 (5 hybrid-SACDs)
Twenty years on from his pioneering, long-deleted Philips set, Bruggen's Beethoven is again a breath of fresh air. Tempi may not be as fleet as some other recent period instrument versions, but every bar crackles with energy and delight. Excellent recorded sound, capturing a natural concert hall perspective
*****

Bach: The Well-Tempered Clavier - REVIEW

Bach: The Well-Tempered Clavier, Books 1 & 2
Andras Schiff (piano)
ECM New Series 4764827 (4CD)
In what is not so much a radical rethink of his quarter-century-old Decca set as a wholly organic refinement, Schiff proves yet again what a masterful musician he is. Pedaling is almost entirely shunned, ornamentation is tastefully reined-in; yet every piece dances and sparkles with life in a perfect matching of clarity with warmth. This must now be the prime recommendation for anyone wanting these works on the piano.
*****

Schumann: Violin Concerto - REVIEW

Schumann: Violin Concerto in D minor; Concerto in A minor, Op.129; Fantasy in C, Op.131
Anthony Marwood (violin); BBC Scottish SO, Douglas Boyd
Hyperion CDA 67847
Adding Schumann's own transcription of the Cello Concerto to the little-heard Fantasy and the belatedly-discovered Violin Concerto, Marwood's disc is a delight from start to finish. He makes a persuasive case for the neglected D minor concerto; invests the late Fantasy with his trademark tenderness and sweet-toned beauty; and sets the bar for cellists at the highest possible level. Excellent notes and recorded sound.
*****

Alexander Tcherepnin: Piano Music 1913-1961 - REVIEW

Alexander Tcherepnin: Piano Music 1913-1961
Alexander Tcherepnin, Mikhail Shilyaey (piano)
Toccata Classics TOCC 0079
An inspired idea to open the disc with a selection of 1960s archival recordings by this most dynamic of composer-pianists. Here, two compact but imposing sonatas show a highly individual harmonic language and a fearsome performing technique. If he perhaps gets the lion's share of repertoire, his younger colleague makes the most of a series of thirty well-crafted, accessible miniatures, yielding nothing in terms of pianism. Well worth exploring.
****