Search - Max Bruch, Kent Nagano, Lyon National Opera Orchestra :: Bruch: Works for Clarinet & Viola

GOOD QUALITY EASY LISTENING

DAVID BRYSON | Glossop Derbyshire England | 08/23/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There is probably not enough music like this -- music that is a consistent pleasure to listen to, music that is not cheap or second-rate but that makes few or no demands on the listener. Up to now my total collection of Bruch has been one LP consisting of the second Violin Concerto and the Scottish Fantasia played by Perlman, plus another version of the latter from the Heifetz centenary series on Naxos. Most experienced music-lovers probably know the first Violin Concerto and Kol Nidrei well enough not to need their own copy -- a variety of performances crops up regularly in the nature of Radio 3 in the UK and its American counterparts. As for the rest of his output, I would have carried happily on waiting for any of it that came my way until I saw that he had done a concerto for viola and clarinet. Why no other composer that I can think of has leapt with enthusiasm at the obviously attractive combination (I would have thought) of clarinet with violin or viola is a bit of a mystery to me. To my total unsurprise, it turns out to be thoroughly attractive and I guess this is going to be a record I play a lot. Bruch was a genuine master, not just in the sense of being an out-and-out professional (you could say that much of Reger) but as also having a distinguished and distinctive melodic gift. This whole disc, not just the concerto, is a pleasure from beginning to end. I did not know a single piece on it when I first played it but it is not going to be long before I know them all the way I know Brahms. The performances are all sympathetic and accomplished. I shall now be more on the lookout than I was for renderings by other artists, but this is a little treasure for my collection and I cannot imagine it being easily supplanted. Budget price, lasting value."

Must Be Heaven

L. Shirley | fountain valley, ca United States | 08/16/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Bruch: Works for Clarient and Viola must be the music that is played in heaven. You will surely think you are there, when listening to these soul soothing yet most dramatic sounds.It is simply beautiful and may be the best hour of your day(actually about 65 minutes).Bruch, an already much admired composer and teacher of the mid 19th century to early 20th, composed these works during the later years.



Opening with a "Concerto for Clarinet, Viola and Orchestra in E minor, OP.88, the three movements (Andante con moto,Allegro moderato, and Allegro molto), will take your breath away, as the music seems to float in the air around you.



Next up are 8 pieces for Clarinet, Viola and Piano, Op.83 to savour. Each instrument and every track with it's own personality. Sometimes sweet, or solemn, other times happy, lively,or more dramatic, at times powerful. Some of the pieces are "Andante in A Minor", "Allegro agitato in D minor", and Moderato in E flat minor"(see buying ino page for a complete list of tracks.



The final section is "Romance for Viola and Orchestra in F major, Op.85. One gorgeous track, the 7 and a half minute, "Andante con moto".Music that more than lives up to it's title. It may have you swooning.



Kent Nagano and the Lyon Opera Orchestra, with Paul Meyer on Clarinet, Gerard Causse, viola,and Francois-Rene Duchable piano,perform Bruch with perfection.There are 12 tracks in total.They range from 2:22 to 7:49. Most are a good length. The CD is an excellent quality, and includes an insert with a notes on Max Bruch and his music.



I would highly recommend this album to lovers of instrumental classical. It's an album that you should take with you on long scenic drives to add to the beauty of your visual pleasure, or at times you may be stuck in traffic, to ease your drive(be careful though, if you feel like conducting, make sure no one is watching!). Not bad for a wonderfully atmospheric evening, or lazing Sunday morning as well.



Enjoy it whenever the mood or need hits...Laurie





"

Moving and inspiring music.

Susan | Joplin, MO USA | 04/27/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Bruch clarinet works are unfortunatly mostly overlooked, but are a gem for you to find. The whole of this album is meditative and low key, but with dramatic high points. The composition at first seems simple but with repeated listenings shows it's complexity and fine craftsmanship. Paul Meyer's playing is fabulous, and feels completely in tune with the composer. This is an honest album of music I plan for long term study and enjoyment."