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Site review by Castor November 7, 2005
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Performance: Sonics (S/MC): / |
Comparatively little of the considerable output of the Swiss composer Frank Martin (1890-1974) is available on CD, so this SACD from the enterprising MDG is especially welcome.
Although Martin became interested in the serial technique of Arnold Schönberg in the 1930s, he adapted and incorporated it into his own musical style, which remained essentially tonal.
The three works on this disc were written between 1937 and 1951/2 and are representative of his many compositions for solo instruments, or instrumental groups, and orchestra.
The longest piece here is the Violin Concerto of 1950 (29m 13s), a fascinating and major work that should be better known, particularly if it were performed as well as here by the excellent soloist Michael Erxleben. The cadenza, two-thirds through the first movement, illustrates the quality and virtuosity of his playing.
The second movement is a lyrical, but melancholic, andante and the short Presto finale allows the soloist much opportunity for display. The whole piece is beautifully constructed and imaginatively orchestrated.
The Concerto for seven wind instruments, timpani, percussion and strings (1949) is more familiar through a number of previous recordings, but none that I have heard are as well performed and recorded as this one.
The seven wind soloists are laid out clearly across and in front of the orchestra and the conductor Jac van Steen moves the piece forward with an engaging lightness of touch. The haunting second movement with its rhythm reminiscent of a slow funeral march, or a ticking clock, is particularly well managed and remains insistent in one’s mind long after one has finished listening, while the boisterous finale gives the soloists, including the superb timpanist, the opportunity to shine.
The final work Danse de la peur (1937) for two pianos and small orchestra, grippingly played by the duo Soós, was originally composed as part of an aborted ballet ‘The Blue Flower’ for Zurich Ballet and was premiered in its revised form by Dinu Lipatti and his wife in 1944.
It begins with a slowly and mysteriously, then a short central section for pianos and percussion follows that leads to an exciting allegro. Its dance origins seem clear and it reminds me somewhat of Bartok’s 1st piano concerto in its use of percussion and the percussive qualities of the two pianos.
MDG have provided a recording of truly outstanding quality for this SACD.
The dynamic range is wide and it is a model of clarity. The solo instruments and orchestra are beautifully balanced - no mean feat - within the sympathetic acoustic of the Stadthaus Wintherthur. The subtle use of the rear channels adds further to the sense of realism while MDG’s 2+2+2 system is available for those who wish to try the height channels option.
As usual with MDG, the booklet notes are detailed, authoritative and most helpful to the listener. Highly recommended.
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Copyright © 2005 Graham Williams and SA-CD.net
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