Search - John Buckley, Colman Pearce, National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland :: BUCKLEY: Organ Concerto / Symphony No. 1

Enjoyable but hardly durable works

G.D. | Norway | 03/26/2009

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Buckley's musical language is for the most part atonal, but rather accessibly so - somewhat reminiscent of Dutilleux or Lutoslawski, perhaps. The organ concerto is a furiously volcanic work, roaring away with violent rhythms and accompanied by thundering orchestral playing, in particular an appropriately earth-quakey percussion section. It is, admittedly, a rather fun piece, but there doesn't seem to be very much substance to it. The symphony is in comparison more substantial; a nervous, flittering and anxious work, often with somewhat impenetrable, dark but rich and variegated textures. The National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland under Colman Pearce provides committed performances, but they are admittedly a little rough and sometimes rather out of balance. Sound quality is generally fine, and the balance between soloist and orchestra in the organ concerto well realized. In the end, I don't think this is music I'll return to very often, but I have to admit it was an enjoyable experience."