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Site review by Castor January 31, 2007
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Performance: Sonics (MC): |
It is good to have these two unfamiliar neo-classical/ romantic concertos, part of Capriccio’s “20th Century Portraits” series, in such fine performances and recordings as on this SACD.
The Triple Concerto is a substantial piece (27min.) that begins with an imposing orchestral introduction before the two solo string instruments enter. A return by the orchestra to the opening section is followed by the first appearance of the piano and eventually leads to an urgent Allegro molto vivace that almost has the character of a Moto perpetuo.
A tranquil piano solo sets the mood of the lyrical slow movement, which then goes on to explore the singing qualities of the violin and cello. The orchestra introduces a tougher, and more stormy, middle section before a return to the predominantly relaxed material of the opening.
A lively Rondo: Tempo di giga that at once confirms Casella’s clear intention to model the work on 18th century Concerto grosso form completes this most fascinating and enjoyable concerto.
The recording, made in the excellent acoustic of the Jesus Christus Kirche, Berlin in 2005, has a wide dynamic range and the balance between the three soloists and orchestra, often difficult to achieve in a triple concerto, is first rate. The surround channels, used here purely for ambience, expand the spacious acoustic still further.
The earlier Violin Concerto (34min.) is in many ways an even more impressive work. Its three movements give the soloist Matthias Wollong plenty of opportunity to demonstrate his virtuosity, particularly in the first movement’s long cadenza. This is not surprising as the concerto was written in 1928 for, and dedicated to, the Hungarian virtuoso Josef Szigeti. The music of this movement is, however, generally sombre and introspective and this may partly be the reason that the piece as whole has fallen into neglect.
It leads without a break into a haunting slow movement featuring some lovely orchestral wind solos. After a brief troubled central section the opening theme returns in radiant splendour and the movement ends peacefully. Once again without a pause, the finale commences with another long cadenza before the orchestra introduce a vigorous Rondo that really puts the soloist through his paces, a challenge that Michael Wollong meets admirably.
This piece was recorded six years earlier than the Triple Concerto in the Studio of Berlin Radio in July 1999, but is equally fine. The ever reliable Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra accompany in both works with polished playing under conductors Vladimir Jurowski and Michael Sanderling, another member of the distinguished Sanderling family (Kurt, Stefan, Thomas….).
Those wishing to explore the forgotten byways of the concerto repertoire need not hesitate.
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Copyright © 2007 Graham Williams and SA-CD.net
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