Orchestral
CD and Other Review

Review: Ravel: Daphnis et Chloé & La Valse

This recording of the complete Daphnis et Chloé came after a run of stage performances at the Bastille last year and it is a shame the production wasn’t filmed as we need a decent staging on DVD. In that context Jordan’s reading would be more satisfying than this audio only account. The needs of choreography have straight-jacketed his interpretation and while some may enjoy its straightforward, unfussy manner, for many it will come across as bland and paradoxically un-theatrical. Limpid textures and restraint are a pleasure in themselves, but the lack of thrust and dramatic gesture stops the performance from taking flight. That marvellous opening sequence of mounting voluptuousness should make senses tingle but fails to arouse. Dorcon’s dance is hardly grotesque, and the mocking laughter is half-hearted. The pirate sequences are way too careful. The Bacchanale never quite takes off. The burbling brook at Daybreak is lovingly articulated though, and one does get a frisson with an orgasmic Sunrise. Similar issues plague La Valse. Wonderful moments are glossed over, the opening devoid of mystery, the final breakdown lacks abandon. There are fine textures, but I wish Jordan would just cut loose. Orchestral playing is fine but not outstanding. Recorded…

November 11, 2015
Orchestral
CD and Other Review

Review: Bewitched (Les Passions de l’Ame/Meret Lüthi)

Where would music be without femmes fatales? In presenting Geminiani’s score for the 1754 pantomime The Enchanted Forest, Les Passions de l’Ame (a Swiss baroque ensemble based in Bern) realise that in the absence of any visual element this instrumental music, however well played, would lack a certain something. How sensible then to programme a cantata by Handel on the same subject (namely from Torquato Tasso’s Gerusalemme Liberata). Enter our temptress, Armida. This scarlet woman bewitches a crusader, Rinaldo, and holds him in thrall to her charms. Rinaldo’s comrades break the witch’s spell and the abandoned Armida is left to lament her fate, even as she tries to win back her beloved with magic and womanly wiles. The clear, stylish singing of soprano Robin Johannsen provides a welcome contrast to the relatively long stretches of Geminiani’s rather mannered concerti grossi, especially given the variety of moods encapsulated in Handel’s cantata. Her rage aria, Venti, fermate, sì, is an excellent contrast to the more resigned final aria. Les Passions de l’Ame play with dedication and establish their credentials with a fiery account of Geminiani’s own arrangement of Corelli’s take on La Follia. It’s a pity that the rest of Geminiani’s music…

November 11, 2015
Orchestral
CD and Other Review

Review: Adam: Giselle (Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra/Fraillon)

In the ballet world, Adam’s Giselle is almost as often performed as Swan Lake and The Nutcracker. However on the concert stage, it hasn’t achieved the same popularity as its Russian cousins. Despite the efforts of this beautiful recording by the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, expertly led by Nicolette Fraillon, it’s not hard to understand why. Adam’s buoyant melodies aren’t as charming as those in a Strauss waltz and there isn’t the same melodrama as you hear in Tchaikovsky’s famous ballets. The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra with Fraillon at the helm do play Adam’s score stylishly and without fault, once again proving they are one of Australia’s most versatile orchestras. Their balance in the romantic orchestration has wonderful depth and is consistently lush. The frequent woodwind details are delightfully delivered, notably the interchanging flute and clarinet solos. Giselle and Albrecht’s Pas de Deux reveals the strength of individual players, with all the soloists playing with poise, especially the opening cellist. This disc is marketed toward the dance student, with the inclusion of ten alternative dance solos at varying tempi designed to suit differences in choreography or a dancer’s individual technique. If you are a fan of Adam’s music, or you are a…

November 6, 2015
Orchestral
CD and Other Review

Review: Ives: Symphonies Nos 1 & 2 (MSO/Davis)

Far from hinting at the avant garde orchestral works to come, Charles Ives’ symphonic debut could almost have been penned by Dvorˇák with Brahms and Tchaikovsky looking over his shoulder. Ives had heard the New York premiere of the New World Symphony and he paid it more than a passing nod, almost channelling the famous Largo (including cor anglais). This engaging work, written when he was still at Yale, shows the insurance salesman-cum-composer was no mere hobbyist. It includes a highly competent fugue in the Scherzo, engaging melodies and skilful use of orchestral palette. The five-movement Second Symphony, championed by Bernstein, is more characteristic with snatches of Stephen Foster’s Camptown Races and American hymns vying with quotes from Beethoven, Brahms, Bach and Wagner. There’s a hint of what was to come in the final bars where it ends on an abrupt, comical key change – a musical thumbing of the nose? The work was applauded at its premiere although Ives is said to have spat at its reception. The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra are clearly relishing their collaboration with Chief Conductor Sir Andrew Davis judging from the playing in both works. Phrasing and tempi are excellent and technically they are up there with overseas orchestras. Production from Chandos is exemplary….

November 6, 2015