{"id":7002,"date":"2022-12-14T13:32:23","date_gmt":"2022-12-14T13:32:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.larkreviews.co.uk\/?p=7002"},"modified":"2022-12-14T13:32:23","modified_gmt":"2022-12-14T13:32:23","slug":"cds-december-2022","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.larkreviews.wickedlemon.co.uk\/?p=7002","title":{"rendered":"CDs December 2022"},"content":{"rendered":"

TYONDAI BRAXTON \u2013 TELEKINESIS<\/span>
\nMETROPOLIS ENSEMBLE, ANDREW CYR, conductor<\/span>
\nBROOKLYN YOUTH CHORUS, DIANNE BERKUN MENAKER, conductor<\/span>
\n THE CROSSING, DONALD NALLY, conductor<\/span>
\n NONESUCH 075597909678 35\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

A short but exciting listen is to be found here in this work recent work combining acoustic instruments with synthesizer, electronics and vocals. In four roughly equal parts this work is an evocation of the potential power of the mind.<\/p>\n

CHANGES: CONTEMPORARY GUITAR MUSIC<\/span>
\n ARTURO TALLINI, electric guitar, prepared guitar, classical guitar, vocalise<\/span>
\n JAMES DASHOW & DOMENICO ASCIONE, electronics & pre-recorded tape<\/span>
\n NAXOS 8.574394 59\u201947<\/span><\/p>\n

Beginning with Steve Reich\u2019s celebrated 1987 Electric Counterpoint<\/em> this is a varied but cohesive programme highlighting different aspects of modern guitar music. Arturo Tallini proves to be very versatile in his use of the different instruments and including the vocalise forming part of Arthur Kampela\u2019s Percussion Study III<\/em> from 1987. The performers own arrangements of 2 1940s John Cage compositions from include one for prepared guitar (A Room<\/em>). The other composers are Elliott Carter (Changes) and the most recent and longest piece here, the wittily titled iPiece<\/em> by James Dashow.<\/p>\n

FLORENCE PRICE – SONGS OF THE OAK<\/span>
\n WURTTEMBERGISCHE PHILHARMONIE REUTLINGEN, JOHN JETER, conductor<\/span>
\n NAXOS 8.559920 60\u201959<\/span><\/p>\n

Whilst it is a tragedy that Florence Price\u2019s music was so unappreciated for so long it is good to see so much of it now being rediscovered and enjoyed. This CD fits very well as part of the American Classics series as much of FP\u2019s music conjurs up pictures of American landscapes and other associations, not least of which here are the use of material from spirituals in the two Concert Overtures. Songs of the Oak and The Oak<\/em>, both expansive medium length works take centre stage here and the CD ends with the rhythmic and highly melodic Colonial Dance<\/em> and Suite of Dances<\/em>.<\/p>\n

ALFRED MOMOTENKO \u2013 CREATOR OF ANGELS: CHORAL WORKS<\/span>
\n LATVIAN RADIO CHOIR, SIGVARDS KLAVA, conductor<\/span>
\n ONDINE ODE 1413-2 63\u201907<\/span><\/p>\n

The title track of this lovely recording begins with the contemporary Eastern European sacred choral sound of which I never tire. This is expansive and transcendent music but which does not just stay in that now more familiar sound world. There are moments when the music harks back to older traditions of plainchant and glossolalia (which also has a contemporary Pentecostal\/charismatic link). All these influences can be seen to full effect in the longest composition here, On the Passion<\/em>. Beautiful performances throughout of this composer who was new to me.<\/p>\n

SCRIABIN \u2013 THE POEM OF ECSTASY \/ PROMETHEUS<\/span>
\n YEVGENY SUDBIN, piano<\/span>
\n SINGAPORE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, Lan Shui, conductor<\/span>
\n BIS BIS-2362 56\u201908<\/span><\/p>\n

Scriabin\u2019s music is often complex and on a massive scale. This is certainly the case here with the large orchestral forces employed by the composer in the 2 named works. The Poem of Ecstasy<\/em> is intended to be a feast for the senses and an expression of Sciabin\u2019s passionate spiritual beliefs. Timbral relief comes with the Piano Sonata No 5<\/em> being placed between the Poem<\/em> and Prometheus<\/em> whilst also reminding the listener of the importance of the piano in Scriabin\u2019s output. Fine performances throughout.<\/p>\n

ELMAS \u2013 COMPLETE PIANO WORKS VOL 1<\/span>
\n MIKAEL AYRAPETYAN, piano<\/span>
\n GRAND PIANO GP914 69\u201902<\/span><\/p>\n

I have only recently discovered some of this Armenian composer\u2019s works for the piano and this first volume in a complete series is to be welcomed. Mikael Ayrapetan\u2019s performances bring this music to life and make for a very enjoyable collection. This volume places the Seven Nocturnes<\/em> together with a number of Ballades<\/em>, Barcarolles<\/em> and Romance in Eb Major.<\/em><\/p>\n

ARCHIBALD JOYCE \u2013 CARAVAN SUITE<\/span>
\n RTE CONCERT ORCHESTRA<\/span>
\n ANDREW PENNY, conductor<\/span>
\n NAXOS 8.555218 66\u201947<\/span><\/p>\n

Although Archibald Joyce is a worthy entrant into this ongoing series I found the music to be less entertaining than on previous programmes. I think this is because much of the music takes us back to a slightly earlier period, and although still light it is perhaps a little more restrained. That is not to play down the popularity of Joyce\u2019s music, especially known for his Waltzes which would have not merely been listened to but danced to and therefore becoming a very important part of people\u2019s experience and culture.<\/p>\n

HERBERT HOWELLS \u2013 PIANO MUSIC 2<\/span>
\n MATTHEW SCHELLHORN, piano<\/span>
\n NAXOS 8.571383 69\u201926<\/span><\/p>\n

Howells is renowned for his choral and organ music. His piano music is less well known and these releases are very welcome. As in the first volume Matthew Schellhorn surveys this music over the whole of Howells\u2019 career. Mostly miniatures, there is much to enjoy here and it is interesting to see the development in compositional style throughout. The CD ends with the longest work, his 1971 Sonatina<\/em> and also includes A Little Book of Dances<\/em> from 1928. Beautiful performances of this well crafted music in what are, incredibly, almost exclusively world premiere recordings.<\/p>\n

LETTER TO THE WORLD: DAVID LEISNER, COMPOSER<\/span>
\n MUSIC FOR VOICE & INSTRUMENTS<\/span>
\n KATHERINE WHYTE, soprano, ANDREW FUCHS, tenor, MICHAEL KELLY, baritone<\/span>
\n & instrumentalists<\/span>
\n AZICA ACD-71353 63\u201940<\/span><\/p>\n

Texts by Emily Dickinson, Emily Bronte, Wendell Berry and others as well as from the Tao te Ching are set by David Leisner for a variety of forces. Love and faith are among the themes of the four pieces \u2013 Confiding<\/em>, (various), Das Wunderbare Wesen<\/em> (Lao Tzu), Simple Songs<\/em> (Emily Dickinson) and Of Darkness & Light<\/em> (Wendell Berry).<\/p>\n

NETZEL-SANDSTROM-TARRODI: PIANO CONCERTOS<\/span>
\n PETER FRIIS JOHANSSON, piano<\/span>
\n GOTHENBURG SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, RYAN BANCROFT, conductor<\/span>
\n BIS BIS-2576 79\u201950<\/span><\/p>\n

This CD contains some very exciting music. Three Swedish piano works are presented here \u2013 two contemporary ones and the other a recent reconstruction by the pianist of an older forgotten work by Laura Netzel. Andrea Tarrodi\u2019s Stellar Clouds \u2013 Piano Concerto No 1<\/em> (2015) is brooding and, at times, unsettling but full of excitement. I particularly enjoyed Sven-David Sandstrom\u2019s almost-concerto, Five pieces for piano & orchestra<\/em> (2017) \u2013 exciting and varied, making great use of the combined forces.<\/p>\n

NIKLAS SIVELOV \u2013 SYMPHONIES Nos 1 & 5<\/span>
\n MALMO OPERA ORCHESTRA, JOACHIM GUSTAFSSON, conductor<\/span>
\n NAXOS 8.574508<\/span><\/p>\n

Further exciting contemporary Swedish sounds are to be found on this CD. The two symphonies<\/em> here by Sivelov date from 2013 and 202o. Both make great use of variety of timbre, tonality and rhythm. There is a stark, stripped back feel to the opening of the 5th Symphony<\/em> which contrasts hugely with some of the more energetic writing of other movements here.<\/p>\n

LA FEMME \u2013 FROM ORIENT TO OCCIDENT: A JOURNEY OF FEMALE COMPOSERS<\/span>
\n FLAKA GORANCI, soprano<\/span>
\n WORLD CHAMBER ORCHESTRA, KONSTANTINOS DIMINAKIS, conductor<\/span>
\n NAXOS 8.551470 76\u201958<\/span><\/p>\n

This is a very interesting concept album, highlighting not only the creativity and artistry of women but also giving priority to their beliefs and passions. Sources range from the mediaeval period to the present day with an emphasis on the more contemporary. A variety of styles and media are employed \u2013 art song, piano solo, western and eastern influences, acoustic instruments and electronic timbres. This is a far-reaching project to educate and inspire and a very enjoyable programme.<\/p>\n

PAUL GUNN \u2013 THE LUDWIG SUITE<\/span>
\n PAUL GUNN, voice & piano<\/span>
\n With additional vocalists and instrumentalists<\/span>
\n BANDCAMP. Digital download EP (name your price)<\/span><\/p>\n

What do the writings of Robert Graves about Odin\u2019s dogs, Debussy\u2019s personal relationships, Beethoven\u2019s love of wine and the frustrations of being silenced by lockdown have in common? They are all inspirations for Paul Gunn\u2019s latest offering of original music performed by him, his five piece band and other additional musicians. Crossing between classical and rock genres this album has shades of Rick Wakeman and Andrew Lloyd Webber\u2019s variations as well as much more. Diverse musical talent blends well and is used to good effect.<\/p>\n

SP<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

TYONDAI BRAXTON \u2013 TELEKINESIS METROPOLIS ENSEMBLE, ANDREW CYR, conductor BROOKLYN YOUTH CHORUS, DIANNE BERKUN MENAKER, conductor THE CROSSING, DONALD NALLY, conductor NONESUCH 075597909678 35\u2019 A short but exciting listen is to be found here in this work recent work combining … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.larkreviews.wickedlemon.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7002"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.larkreviews.wickedlemon.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.larkreviews.wickedlemon.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.larkreviews.wickedlemon.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.larkreviews.wickedlemon.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=7002"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.larkreviews.wickedlemon.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7002\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7007,"href":"https:\/\/www.larkreviews.wickedlemon.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7002\/revisions\/7007"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.larkreviews.wickedlemon.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=7002"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.larkreviews.wickedlemon.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=7002"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.larkreviews.wickedlemon.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=7002"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}