Sibelius: Symphony no.2, etc - REVIEW

Sibelius: Symphony no.2, etc

Halle Orchestra, Mark Elder

Halle CDHLL7516

A superbly-played, warmly-cogent reading of the Symphony is a telling reminder both of what an insightful, natural Sibelian we have in Sir Mark; and of what a fine ensemble he has at his fingertips.  Coupled with an imposingPohjola's Daughter and an Oceanides of great power and atmosphere, this really is essential listening

*****

Mompou: Musica callada, etc - REVIEW

Mompou: Musica callada, etc

Arcadi Volodos (pf)

Sony Classical 88765433262

Belying his reputation as a barnstormer, Volodos unexpectedly turns his prodigious technique to the refined, delicate miniatures of Catalan composer-pianist Federico Mompou.  He invests these pieces with a hypnotic poetry entirely in keeping with the music, no more so than in Musica callada, his last and probably greatest cycle of pieces.  For Mompou to have such a high-profile, well-recorded release is a great compliment to a fascinating musical voice

****.

An American in Paris - violin works by Poulenc, Gershwin, Ives & Ravel - REVIEW

An American in Paris - violin works by Poulenc, Gershwin, Ives & Ravel

Tamsin Waley-Cohen (vn), Huw Watkins (pf)

Champs Hill Records CHRCD059

It is heartwarming to discover that a young artist's debut CD can be as refreshing and enjoyable as this.  The sonatas by Ravel and Poulenc receive sensational performances, second to none; Ives' wistful Decoration Dayis truly moving; and Heifetz's Gershwin transcriptions are great fun.  Huw Watkins is an inspirational partner, matching Waley-Cohen in virtuosity and insight.  Warmly recommended.

*****

Casella: Italia; Symphony no.3; etc

Casella: Italia; Symphony no.3; etc

BBC Philharmonic, Gianandrea Noseda

Chandos CHAN 10768

This third disc in Noseda's Casella survey features one of the composer's key late works, the neoclassical third symphony.  Commissioned for the fiftieth anniversary of the Chicago Symphony, this huge score was championed by conductors including Furtwangler - although it's unlikely to have received as fine a performance as on the present disc.  The folksong-inspired Italiacalls to mind Ravel and Respighi, and makes a welcome coupling.

*****

Kapustin: Preludes, Op.53; Sonata no.1, Op.39 - REVIEW

Kapustin: Preludes, Op.53; Sonata no.1, Op.39

David Brain (pf)

Ringwood RW002

A somewhat maverick figure in 20th century music, not unlike Friedrich Gulda, Kapustin sought to infuse his compositions with jazz - a policy which can hardly have endeared him to his elders and monitors in the Soviet Union.  An fine pianist himself, he has recorded most of his own works; yet in this new disc, Brain is every bit as dazzling and persuasive, and significantly better-recorded.  At just under an hour, the cycle of Preludes is best dipped into rather than consumed as a whole; but it is a dip worth taking.

****

Carpentersville - songs by Blitzstein, Bernstein, etc - REVIEW

Carpentersville - songs by Blitzstein, Bernstein, etc

Lucy Schaufer (s); ensemble cond. Kevin Amos

ABC Classics 4810331

Inspired by her roots in 'small town' America, Schaufer has concocted an imaginative, quirky selections of songs from both familiar and less well-known composers.  Numbers by Bernstein and (especially) Blitzstein are delivered with panache, and contrast rewardingly with haunting songs by Amanda McBroom and Michele Brourman.  Purists may object to an Erbarme Dich arranged for saxophone and accordion, but throughout Schaufer is a winning and persuasive presence.

*****

Mahler: Symphony no.1 - REVIEW

Mahler: Symphony no.1

Royal Flemish Philharmonic, Edo de Waart

RFP A-List 004

Another day, another orchestra own-label.  And very welcome this is too, on the strength of a superbly paced, artfully controlled Mahler performance from chief conductor de Waart.  His experience shows throughout: tempi are well judged, corners turned with care, making this warmly recorded version a cogent alternative to the flashier Concertgebouw Bernstein (DG and RCO Live)

****